You and your former spouse have gone your separate ways, after realizing that the marriage just wasn’t meant to be. However, you have children together, which means you have to strike up a co-parenting relationship.
If the divorce was amicable, it can be easy to transition into a co-parenting relationship. Even if the divorce was contentious, it is still possible to make co-parenting a success. Outlined below are some key factors to keep in mind.
Allow visitations to run smoothly
It’s going to take a bit of time for your child to get used to visiting the parent who has left the family home, but both parents can make this process easier. Try to remain positive about the visits. The issues during your marriage are no longer relevant and they are not necessarily related to the parenting abilities of either parent. Your child should not feel guilty about coming to see you, and they shouldn’t feel as if they are caught in the middle of a dispute.
Establishing your communication style
You and your former partner may struggle to get along face to face or over the phone. There are plenty of other ways to communicate though. Sending emails can allow you to get your messages across clearly. They also allow either parent to take a moment to regain their composure before responding. Communication is pivotal in making a success out of co-parenting, so make sure you establish something that keeps conflict to a minimum.
As a divorced parent, you have every right to be involved in your child’s life. To assert your legal rights, make sure you have a knowledgeable support network by your side.
