Tips for co-parenting after you get divorced
One of the most important things you can do after a divorce is to work well with your ex as you co-parent your children. This gives the children the stability and care they deserve.
Naturally, this can also be very hard to do. Divorced couples typically are not on the best of terms. If you really want to put your kids first, here are a few tips to help you do that.
Promote solid communication
You and your ex cannot avoid or ignore each other and expect to parent successfully. You need to communicate about such matters as how the kids are doing in school, scheduling changes and any personal issues that your children may have. You should communicate effectively, no matter whether it's via phone, text or email.
Remember that you can both be excellent parents
People sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that someone wasn’t a good spouse, so they’re not a good parent. This isn’t true. Both you and your ex can be great parents even though your marriage didn't work out.
Always put the children first
When making decisions — like where to have a birthday party — do not put your own needs first. As a parent, you want to put your children first. When you make decisions with this mindset, even if they’re hard for you, it helps create the life that you wanted for your kids.
Co-parenting can still be tough, even if you follow all of the above-referenced steps. You'll want to ensure that you both understand your legal rights. You may find it easier to make choices that work best for your family once you understand what those rights are.