Co-Parenting

A good co-parenting relationship is not only important after the divorce but also during the divorce process.  However, it takes time and effort to establish a good co-parenting relationship. One way to learn how to properly co-parent is through the parenting seminar you will attend during your divorce process. Co-parenting therapy is another option for couples to work through their issues with the advice of a third-party on how to improve the relationship. It is important to continue to promote a good relationship between the other parent and the children as it will become important in Court. One of the factors the Court will take into consideration when determining custody is whether each parent is promoting a parent-child relationship with the other parent. Further, co-parenting creates a better home environment for the children. 

Tips to Promote Co-Parenting

• When it comes to legal custody decisions such as education or religious upbringing make sure to discuss the issue with the other party. Avoid making unilateral decisions without consulting the other parent.
• Make sure to communicate with the other parent whether it is through email, Family Wizard, or text messages. Avoid sending messages through the children to the other parent. Make sure the communication stays focused on the children and their well-being.
• Be on time to pick-up or drop-off the children. Communicate with the other parent if you will be late to arrive.
• Speak about the other parent in a positive light in front of the other children. Avoid using disparaging remarks or any negative statements as they could have an impact on the children.
• Keep Consistent Rules and Routines at both households. They do not need to be the exact same but a similar routine helps promote stability in the children’s lives. The same with rules if the child gets in trouble and loses their video game privileges than the other parent should uphold the consequence as well.
• Extend Olive Branches and have flexibility. While the parenting plan should be followed a majority of the time, there will be times when the schedule may need to be changed. When the other parent comes with a proposal to switch around a day or weekend make sure to hear them out and properly consider their request before answering. If their request will not work make sure to offer an alternative option to them.
• Be on time with medical, child support and, extracurricular payments. Make sure to make your payments within the time frame given to you on the parenting plan. Also, make sure to notify the other parent promptly of any reimbursement expenses owed to you.