Deciding that a marriage is over means that you have to learn how to work as a co-parent with your child’s other parent. Trying to find strategies that help to make the situation easier is imperative because how you and your co-parent work together can have an impact on your children.
Considering these factors may help you work through some of the situations you face with your co-parent.
Children come first
Every decision that you make must be in the best interests of the children. You shouldn’t ever do things that will make things more difficult for your ex or easier for you. Whether you’re coming up with the terms of the parenting plan or trying to make decisions as you rear the children, make sure that you consider what’s best for the kids.
Communication must remain respectful
Your children shouldn’t ever be used as messengers between you and your ex. Having them relay messages can put them in a bad position, and it also risks messages being relayed incorrectly. Instead of relying on the children, you and your ex should focus on keeping communication direct between the two adults. You also need to ensure that both adults can keep communication respectful.
Stay calm
No matter what you’re going through, you must remain calm. Exes will sometimes do things just to try to get you upset. Being about to avoid getting angry can make your co-parenting less stressful for you, which can also help your children.
It’s a good idea to have a solid parenting plan set. This helps to ensure you and your ex both know the plan and have something in writing when there are situations that come up. Your attorney can help you to get the documents in order that outline this plan.