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Co-Parenting Tips for New Divorcees
Co-parenting is an especially tough job, and sometimes, no matter how long you’ve been parenting with your ex, you may feel you need a little guidance. Every parent’s co-parenting experience is different, but there is general advice about co-parenting that can benefit you.
You can find balance and have a healthy relationship after a divorce using these tips on what not to do while co-parenting. But first, you should understand what co-parenting is.
What is Co-Parenting?
Co-parenting is when both parents work together and are active in their child’s life. A successful co-parenting relationship includes giving your child a sense of stability, security, trust, and whatever elements are needed to aid in healthy growth and development.
Here are some tips on what you can do to foster a healthy home environment while co-parenting with your ex.
Tips for Co-Parenting
1. Set Boundaries
When co-parenting with your ex you should let your expectations be known and be as professional as possible. Set boundaries with them, let them know when they cross a line and remind them of your limitations when communicating.
2. Be Professional
Keep things professional with your ex and push each other to get along. Treat your ex as if they were your coworker where you treat each other with mutual respect. It may not be easy to keep things professional all the time, but if you change your perspective on your standing relationship with your ex and prioritize your child’s needs, you may find it easier to do overtime.
3. Have Open Communication
When it comes to your kids, it’s best to be open to having tough conversations. Try to keep the subject limited to only talking about your child. It’s important to be open and on the same page while communicating.
Messages can become misinterpreted, which can impact your kids. If you can, try to have conversations over the phone, through text, or email so that you can easily talk through unpleasant situations.
4. Discuss Important Issues
If you have joint custody, then you and your ex are entitled to share information with each other about your child. You can share information about your child’s health care, education, school activities, and overall well-being.
As parents, you should both be up-to-date on things related to your child. It’s not fair to either parent if you have joint custody to withhold information about your child that could be important. Being open and having hard conversations is for the benefit of your child.
5. Be Flexible
Just like normal parenting, co-parenting requires flexibility. Once a court has approved your visitation schedule and parenting plan, and you and your ex agree to it, you should work to cooperate.
There are situations that can pop up at any given time. For example, if your ex lives in another state and won’t be able to pick up your kids for visitation because of work, try to work with each other to come up with a new plan that works for everyone.
Being flexible should be a two-way street, and if your current visitation schedule doesn’t work for you, then you should contact achild custody attorney to modify your current visitation schedule. Making modifications can be done with the help of an experienced attorney that will advocate for you and explain your situation to a judge.
6. Know When to Ask for Help
If you feel you have a conflict with your current custody agreement and visitation schedule, our attorneys at Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. are here to walk you through making modifications. We know how hard it can be for families to adjust to a new lifestyle after divorce and will guide you every step of the way so that you can successfully move forward with a new plan.
Contact us today at (916) 794-4576 to schedule a consultation and to speak with one of our attorneys!