Getting divorced with kids is especially difficult. Depending on the ages of your children, you will be tasked with having to explain to them what is going on and be there for them if they start exhibiting depression or acting out. But divorce is actually quite common in this day and age, and many people have found ways to co-parent their children that seem to work very well for them. Here are 3 helpful co-parenting tips to make the most of your situation.
Communicate
Poor communication may be a part of what led you to your divorce in the first place, but good communication is an important aspect of making co-parenting work. Your ex may not be there for certain milestones of your child’s life, so communicating these things with them will give them the information they need to be the best parent they can be. If there is an issue at your child’s school, it is good for both parents to be aware. Set up a plan for communicating with each other and stick to it not only so that you can thrive as parents but so that your children can thrive as well.
Support Each Other
Just because you are no longer married or in a romantic relationship doesn’t mean you can’t have an amicable, supportive, and friendly relationship. Being a single parent can be really hard, so both of you need to support each other whenever possible. For example, it may be your co-parents turn to have your kids for the week, but they may be sick or have something going on at work and it would be easier for you to take them. If you can adjust your schedule to make this possible, your co-parent will appreciate it and hopefully offer to return the favor down the road when you have something come up.
Follow The Laws
If you went through any type of custody battle with your divorce, the judge likely granted custody to either one or both of you, with specific terms. Make sure to always follow these terms, as breaking these types of laws can be very serious. Even if you didn’t go through a bitter battle involving the courts, you should have made a custody agreement during your divorce.
If you take your child during a time when your ex is supposed to have them, even if they agreed to it, you can technically be arrested on kidnapping charges. Again, this is all dependent on the terms of your custody agreement, so just make sure you know the terms and adhere to them.
Co-parenting doesn’t have to be the nightmare it is sometimes made out to be. All you need to have is a little bit of respect for one another, and a shared love for your kids, and you will find a routine that works for everyone.
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