Learning how to co-parent when you break up with your child’s other parent isn’t an easy transition. One thing to remember is that co-parenting requires you and your ex to get along and work as a team.
Not everyone can co-parent successfully. For example, this isn’t an arrangement that’s suitable if there’s a history of abuse or controlling behaviors. If you and your ex can co-parent, these tips may help you to keep the situation as stress-free as possible.
1. Let go of the past
It’s easy to let the past creep into your mind as you deal with your ex, but this is usually not a good idea. Instead, focus on the parenting responsibilities you share with them. The goal of co-parenting is to make decisions that are in the best interests of the children.
2. Communicate with respect
Respectful communication is the cornerstone of co-parenting. It may be best for you and your ex to think of the communication as a business-like arrangement. This can help to keep emotions out of the situation, which can help to keep you focused on finding solutions that are best for the children.
3. Compromise when appropriate
Compromise can help to make everything a bit easier while co-parenting. Both adults will have to be willing to do this, based on the situation. One example is if your ex has out-of-town family members coming to town. You might opt to switch parenting time with them so your children can see those family members.
The parenting plan is the foundation of the situation because it contains the terms for co-parenting. Getting this together as quickly as possible may help you and the children to adjust to the new way of life much faster.