Co-parenting after a divorce can be a major challenge, particularly for
parents who ended their marriage on a particularly sour note. It is important
to remember that both of you still share a common interest – the
wellbeing of your children. Learning to amicably co-parent with your ex-spouse
will help your children feel secure, safe, and stable, so it is crucial
to set aside your past grievances to accomplish this.
Co-Parenting Tips for Former Spouses
It is far easier said than done, of course, to set aside the problems that
led up to your divorce and everything that might have arisen throughout
the process. However, the quality of your relationship with your former
spouse will have a profound impact on your children’s mental health
and their ability to cope with your family’s new dynamic, which
is why it is so vital for you to learn how to overcome these obstacles.
We compiled a list of tips that will help you get started:
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Do not put your children in the middle of your conflicts: It will undoubtedly be tempting to complain about co-parent to your children,
but they are not the appropriate parties to vent to. You should also refrain
from using them as messengers in any of your conflicts with your ex-spouse.
Doing so puts them in a terrible position and they might even feel pressured
to choose sides. Handle your own conflicts without getting them involved
and, if you need to talk to someone about these problems, turn to a friend,
family member, or hire a therapist.
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Work on communicating: To reduce the chances of conflict, keep your conversations with your former
spouse centered on your children. You should also figure out what is the
best form of communication. If your in-person interactions tend to become
more heated, consider communicating over the phone or through text messages.
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Raise your children as a team: It should be a given that co-parenting should be a team effort, but this
can be easy to forget if you are fixated on the issues you have with your
former spouse. Keep in mind that you are not competing for your children’s
affections. You are both in this together and should aim for consistency
and stability in both households. Work together to decide on house rules,
disciplinary actions, and rewards for your children.
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Help make visits easier: A good rule of thumb is to never pick up your children from your co-parent
since it can feel a lot like you are taking them away. Instead, agree
to drop off your children at each other’s home. Moreover, never
make your children feel guilty about the time they spent with their other
parent. Be supportive of their relationship. You can even help them pack
for their visit to ensure they do not forget anything. Helping them pack
can also mentally prepare them for their visit.
Arguments will likely still come up while you continue to work on your
co-parenting relationship. However, how you handle these bumps along the
way will strengthen your ability to work together and raise your children
in an environment that helps them thrive.
Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney Today!
Family law matters are some of the most emotional and complex most will ever have
to face. At The Law Firm of Wayne F. Crowe, Jr., P.C., our team is committed
to providing the skilled legal guidance you need to successfully overcome
these issues, so you and your family can move forward.
Call us today at (914) 752-5333 to schedule a free case evaluation!