Tips for Co-Parenting After Divorce

 Posted on November 29, 2021 in Child Custody

When a couple with children goes through a divorce, in most cases, they still must have some kind of relationship with each other as they co-parent their children together. Some parents are able to develop a routine that works for their family with little or no conflict at all. Unfortunately, many other parents experience difficulties as they try to work through residual acrimony left over from the divorce that often spills over into their co-parenting relationship.

Having a solid parenting pan in place can help reduce these conflicts and make everyone’s lives – especially the children’s – so much less stressful. The following are some co-parenting tips that can also be helpful.

Promote Consistency

Although you and your ex-spouse are no longer married and parenting under the same roof, you both need to remain on the same page when it comes to how you deal with your children. Although not all rules will be the same at both parents’ homes, having consistency in bedtimes, activities, and allowed behaviors goes a long way in helping children adjust to their new life of having two homes and two routines.

Protect Them from Your Disagreements

No matter how much you do work together, there will be times where you and your ex will have disagreements. Sometimes these disagreements may become major ones. No matter what the problem, these issues should never be discussed in front or around your children. The old saying, “little pitchers have big ears,” still applies – children do not miss much. Exposing them to that type of conflict only causes them stress. They do not need to be aware of adult problems.

Be Flexible

In your custody agreement, you and your ex either worked out a parenting time schedule or the court decided one for you. Although it is important to keep to that schedule, appreciate the fact that sometimes, occasions will come up and you may need to be a little flexible. For example, your ex’s family may be having a family reunion that falls on a weekend the children are supposed to be with you. As long as it does not interfere with any special plans you may have, switching weekends so that your children can visit with their extended family benefits them the most, as well as extends goodwill to your ex should you have a similar situation arise.

Contact a Frisco Family Law Attorney

Unfortunately, although many people try to have a peaceful co-parenting relationship with their exes, they may find they are the only one in that relationship doing what is best for their children. If you are having custody issues that require the court’s intervention, call The Law Office of Linda Risinger at 972-294-6533 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Collin County child custody attorney.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.152.htm