Being a co-parent with shared parenting after a divorce isn’t easy, but it’s something that’s usually best for the children. Fortunately, there are several things that you might consider that can help make things better for everyone.
One of the most important things that you need to do is remember that your primary focus has to remain on what’s in the children’s best interests. This helps to ensure that they have what they need to thrive despite your divorce.
1. Communicate respectfully
The way you and your ex speak to each other can have a direct impact on your children. Remember to be respectful as you’re dealing with your ex. Additionally, never badmouth your ex in front of your children. It might not be easy because of the factors that led to the divorce, but focusing on how they interact with the children might make this a little easier.
2. Encourage important relationships
Children sometimes worry that one parent won’t want them getting close to the other parent or to the other parent’s side of the family. Show your children that you encourage them to build and strengthen those important relationships.
3. Remember everyone is human
Mistakes and errors are bound to happen when you’re co-parenting. Instead of harping on the things that go wrong, try to remember that everyone is only human. Try to help find suitable solutions to the problems so that the children don’t suffer. You and your ex are still a parenting team. Your children are more likely to succeed if you can work together.
You should get the parenting plan set as soon after the split as possible. This enables the children to acclimate to the new way of life quickly, which can help them to feel more stable as time progresses. The parenting plan should be set based on what the kids need now because you can modify it later if there are changes that need to be made.
