Learning How To Co-Parent After Divorce

While ending a marriage is always complicated and usually emotional, it tends to be even more complex when the couple in question shares children. Fortunately, it is possible for two parents to create a safe and healthy environment for their children, even when they must now spend their time in two different homes. Doing so will require the parties to follow a few specific guidelines and implement some basic rules after divorce. Read on to learn more about learning to co-parent successfully after ending your marriage.

Focus On Your Child’s Needs 

Although this tip can seem a bit obvious, it’s worth reiterating because the whole goal of co-parenting is to ensure that a child’s best interests are being met. This is nearly impossible to achieve when two parents focus only on their own needs and not what will keep their children safe and happy. When arguments arise or a divorce becomes contentious, parents will need to take a step back and remember to focus on their child’s well-being. What these needs are may vary depending on the family’s particular circumstances. All children, however, deserve to live in an environment where they feel safe and supported.

Establish Ground Rules 

One of the best ways to avoid conflict and start off on the right foot when it comes to co-parenting is to set some ground rules from the get-go. These rules will need to be formalized in a time-sharing agreement that highlights both parents’ obligations and responsibilities towards their children. The topics that parents will need to cover are wide-ranging and include everything from how drop-offs occur, which items the parents will need to pack for their child’s visits, and how the parents will communicate. Remember to remain flexible, as both you and your former spouse’s situations could change in the coming months or years, in which case, you may need to modify your agreement to suit what is best for your child.

Commit to Open Communication 

Honest and open communication is of the utmost importance to successful co-parenting. Be sure to let your co-parent know if your schedule changes and always keep him or her updated on important news about your child. It’s best to find a method of communication that works for both of you. Many couples, for instance, use emails and text messages, while others have more formal phone calls. Still others may plan for in-person visits every few months to make sure they’re on the same page when it comes to their child’s needs.

Stick to Your Agreements 

It’s understandable (and assumed) that a family’s circumstances will change over time and that a time-sharing schedule may need to be modified to reflect those changes. It’s still important, however, to stick to any time-sharing arrangements that you do reach. Know your role and the best way to fulfill your obligations so that your former spouse doesn’t feel forced to take you to court to resolve any custody-related issues.

Here to Help With Your Child Custody-Related Matters 

Co-parenting takes commitment and requires open-mindedness, communication, and flexibility. To learn more about how to implement a parenting plan that is in your own child’s best interests, please call dedicated Florida visitation and time-sharing lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. today.

Sources: 

forbes.com/sites/annefield/2020/09/24/a-startup-addresses-the-missing-link-learning-co-parenting-skills-so-children-can-thrive/

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201203/the-dos-and-donts-co-parenting-well