Regardless of how long you’ve been married, divorce is rarely easy. The process of going through a divorce takes its toll on even the most reasonable and cooperative couples, and this process becomes even more complex if there are children involved. However, research shows that most children benefit from having both parents in their lives even after those parents’ marriages have ended.
If you are going through a divorce or considering filing for one, here are 10 co-parenting tips to keep in mind as you plan for a child’s future.
1. Be as Rational as Possible
Emotions run high in divorce situations, but do your best to keep your tone professional and be rational while dealing with your ex-spouse. It may help to blow off steam with a trusted friend or talk to a therapist about your feelings if you are having trouble keeping your emotions in check for the sake of your kids.
2. Keep Communication Open
Talking to your ex may be the last thing you feel like doing, but it is necessary and important if you are co-parenting one or more children. Stay in touch with your ex rather than ignoring each other or blowing off each other’s calls.
3. Focus on the Child’s Well-being![]()
With every decision you make, ask yourself if this is what is in the best interests of your child. Children should be at the center of your divorce-related decisions but not stuck in the middle of your conflicts.
4. Be Somewhat Flexible
While you should not give up what’s important to you or what you know is right in a child custody dispute, accept the fact that you will need to be somewhat flexible and perhaps compromise on certain issues.
5. Establish New Routines
When spending time with your children after a divorce, do your best to keep things low-key and establish new routines. This can be as simple as having dinner together, enjoying board game nights, or choosing new TV shows to watch together.
6. Be Honest with Your Kids
While your children don’t need to know every gritty detail about why you and your ex-spouse split up, it’s important to be honest about what’s happening in the family when you discuss your divorce.
7. Listen to Children’s Concerns
You may never know how your children are feeling about your divorce until you ask. Encourage your kids to ask questions about how this life-changing event will affect their daily routines and truly listen to their worries and concerns.
8. Give Your Child Some Space
In the beginning, your children may need a little time and space to process all the changes going on in your family. Don’t force your kids to talk before they’re ready and accept that they may need a little extra space to work things out for themselves before opening up.
9. Reassess Logistics and Scheduling
Relationship situations and schedules are always subject to change, which ties into being flexible with your co-parenting approach. On a regular basis, reassess what co-parenting schedules and transportation logistics make the most sense for your kids’ wellbeing.
10. Have a Great Attorney on Your Side
If amicable co-parenting strategies aren’t going as planned, it always helps to have a dedicated and compassionate child custody attorney on your side. At Alatsas Law Firm, we will help you navigate the complex world of physical, legal, joint, and sole custody so you can use the law to do what’s best for your children.
Contact us online or by phone at 718-233-2903 for a free legal consultation about any divorce or child custody matters you need help with.
