When you and your partner have separated, it can be extremely overwhelming learning to adapt to a new parenting style not only is this difficult but also can learning how to manage and conceal your feelings when you are trying to maintain a civil relationship with your ex-partner for the sake of your children. Below are some essential tips for a successful co-parenting relationship. Yes, it’s tough but this is a process in which you can receive support to guide you through.
Co-parenting effectively provides your children with a balanced and close relationship with each of you as parents. However, we know it is usually not always that straight-forward.
What is co-parenting?
Co-parenting is when you and your ex-partner share your duties and responsibilities to your children. A co-parenting relationship means both of you making decisions jointly for your children even though you are no longer together. Sometimes in co-parenting relationships, unresolved emotions and separate issues interfere with you and your ex-partner making arrangements for your child. This is when tempers can flare and impact the decisions which you are making for your children.
Tips for Successful Co-Parenting
1. Put your pride aside.
It is common to be frustrated with your ex-partner due to emotions and feelings you are feeling as a result of the breakdown of your relationship but it is important to remember that these feelings should be separate when your children are involved. They should not suffer as a result of this.
2. Patience
Patience is key. Be mindful that your co-parent may also be finding it difficult to adapt to this new parenting style so being patient with your co-parent gives them time to adjust which often allows them time to respond thoughtfully rather than feeling pressured into making decisions which could result in conflict between you both.
3. Keep each other updated
Keeping each other updated promotes consistency and a solid co-parenting unit for raising your child.
4. Communicate clearly
The way in which you communicate should be decided as soon as possible after separation. If you are able to be civil to each other then this is best for the children. If not consider using a Parenting App for communication or a Communication Book which is passed between you.
5. Disagree in private
If you have any issues to raise with your co-parent then this should not been done in front of the children. Witnessing your disagreements will only cause harm to your children and make them feel caught in the middle of both of you.
Contact us
We hope you found these tips helpful. If you would like any further advice, you can book your 30-minute initial consultation with a member of our team, free of charge or visit the bottom of our home page to find our contact form.