Usually after a divorce the last thing you want to do is deal with your ex and communication between the both of you seems impossible. But the best thing you can do for your child is try to have an amicable relationship with your ex, and taking the time to do this will make co-parenting much easier in the long run.
Here are some tips for co-parenting after divorce:
Don’t let feelings rule your behavior. Emotions can get the best of even the most rational individual. Vent your emotions to a friend, family member, or even a counselor. Keep your children hearing from these conversations, they do not need to hear bad things about the other parent.
Mind your tone. To reduce the risk of instigating an argument, keep a professional tone as if you were talking to a colleague. Also, when you are trying to ask the co-parent for something make sure you are asking and just telling them what you want.
Stay in touch. It is important not to ignore one another when trying tocbuild a more positive, working co-parent relationship. Make a plan to consistently stay in touch with each other about your child. This helps both of you to stay on the same page when it comes to how you are parenting your child, and makes dealing with each other easier if you are used to talking.
Keep your child out of the middle. Your child’s well being should be the center of your focus, but do not put them in the middle of your issues. Do not make your child the messenger or middle man, and don’t make them feel as if they have to choose between the both of you.
Co-parenting after divorce can be hard, but it can be done. If you find yourself hitting a dead end when it comes to co-parenting with your ex, we can help you. Counseling allows parents to discuss what is in the best interest of the child in a neutral environment and to get input and advice from a professional who has experience working with children and families of divorce.
Visit our website for more information on how we can help you with co-parenting!
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