When done right, co-parenting can help your children learn critical skills that can help them in their future endeavors. For instance, they might see you manage your emotions, negotiate and solve problems.
However, when you struggle to navigate disagreements over child care with your ex-spouse, this will leave a bad impression on your children and negatively impact them, which is why you need the following tips.
Rethink your relationship
Instead of seeing them as an ex-spouse, see them as a business partner who is partially responsible for raising your children. That can make your disagreements less personal and allow you to focus on what is best for your children.
Be polite
Here are some tips to help you stay polite with your ex-spouse after your divorce:
- Listen to them
- Focus on your children’s needs
- Acknowledge their strengths when it comes to parenting
- Do not criticize their parenting
- Keep meetings in public locations
- Keep everything in writing with text messages and emails
You will not handle every situation well. When that happens, step back and wait until you are calm. Then apologize. Admit that you were not polite. Move on and try to remain polite in future interactions.
You will experience different disagreements when you are co-parenting. When you do not handle these situations well, you will leave a bad impression on your children. You can make them feel like they have to take sides with one parent or the other. You can make them feel sad, depressed or stressed. Do not put your children in that position and make sure that they know it is okay to love both of their parents.