QUESTION
Hi Kiara,
We are divorced young people living in the same city but have moved into different houses. But I feel like co-parenting is getting harder as time passes. If you could help me figure out how to make it work gracefully, that would be great.
Gratitude,
Helena!
ANSWER
Hi Helena,
The best co-parenting arrangement is one in which both parents are involved in their children’s lives.But when a relationship ends, creating new parenting arrangements isn’t always easy. So to assist you with this big task, here are 8 tips:
8 Tips for Co-Parenting
- If your child’s other parent is sometimes late for pick-ups, it might help to have alternative plans. You will also need to adapt your plans as your child grows up.
- If you’re no longer in a relationship with your child’s other parent, try to focus parenting discussions on your child’s needs and not your child’s other parent’s preferences.
- Help your child feel connected to their other parent by displaying a family photo and being positive about their activities when they are at their other parent’s house.
- Keep your child’s other parent up to date by using a shared online calendar or app, and asking for records and newsletters from your child’s child care service, preschool, or school.
- Plan for tasks, activities, and events with your child’s other parent. If you can go together, plan to go together to parent-teacher interviews or school concerts.
- Give your child’s other parent some time to learn about caring for children. Focus on the positive things your child’s other parent does.
- When your child is with their other parent, you might feel a sense of loss, loneliness and disappointment. However, you can see this time as an opportunity to rest, relax and pursue relationships.
- If possible, agree in advance on the kind of contact you’ll have with your child while they’re with their other parent.
Now you have it. Remember, if you want to make the best decision for your child, you might have to compromise on co-parenting with your ex.
Love,
Kiara!
