Chicago-area parents who have gotten divorced know that they will always have a connection with their ex-spouse: the kids. And if the children are young, divorced parents will have to adhere to a custody arrangement until their children are adults. As some know and others can easily imagine, having to talk to your ex regularly after you have been divorced can be stressful. It is important to remember, though, that successful co-parenting can make the divorce process much easier on your children.
At the core of good co-parenting after divorce is restraint and communication. First, even though you may be furious with your ex, it is important to not let your children see those emotions. Not only will it not make them feel like they have to pick sides, keeping your emotions in check will show them that you are stable and read to handle a new situation – something that will make them feel more at ease.
In addition to keeping your emotions at bay around your children, you and your ex need to always be on the same page about your child custody arrangement. You’ll need to know who has the kids when and where they need to be at all times. Some parents have found that keeping an online calendar helps ensure that both parents are up to date on the children’s schedules at all times.
Ultimately, the more you and your ex can work together to be successful co-parents, the easier it will be for your children to adapt to your divorce. Although it may be hard at times, it is important to always keep your children’s best interests in mind.
Source: Myfoxatlanta.com, “Successful co-parenting amid strain of divorce,” Tacoma Perry, June 24, 2013