When you have separated from the other parent of your child, your relationship with your children and the parenting strategy that you take is likely to change. If you are sharing custody with the other parent, you will need to get used to having a routine where you only live with your children for some part of the time. This can be very difficult for many parents to get used to, and they may need to take some time to adjust.
If you are currently going through a separation and struggling to make the transition to a healthy co-parenting relationship, the following are some tips to help you make the adjustment.
Put away the anger and hurt
You may still hold some resentment and pain as result of the ending of your relationship with your children’s parents. However, it’s important that you are able to focus on the overall wellbeing of your children and put them first. In doing so, you need to find a way of putting away the anger and hurt, and trying to have a co-parenting relationship regardless.
Focus on good communication
Communication is everything. You should try to establish a reliable way of communicating, whether this is through text, calling or emailing. Try to be solution-orientated, constructive, clear and always stick to your word. This will help to create trust and will reduce hostility.
Create a plan and work as a team
If you share custody, make sure that you are on the same page when it comes to how you raise your children. It can be beneficial to create and agree upon a parenting plan so that you can share schedules and agree on consistent discipline techniques and household rules.
If you are new to co-parenting, it is important that the custody agreement you have in place is working for you. If it’s not, you may want to consider a modification.