If you’ve recently divorced, you will have to get used to co-parenting. Even though you have parented together for years, co-parenting when separated comes with some unique challenges. It can be even more challenging if your breakup was unpleasant.
You need to find a way to work together for the good of your child. How you act and handle things can have a significant effect on your child’s emotional growth.
Stay calm and positive
Being a parent means teaching your child how to respond to difficult situations. You can talk to them about this all you want, but most of what they learn will come from watching how you act in such cases. Take special care with how they see you handle problems with your ex.
Do not expect your co-parent to do everything your way
You may find your parenting style has shifted away from that of your ex-spouse. Try to avoid debating with them about minor decisions. Let each parent run their home in their own way as much as possible. As long as you can agree on the big decisions, your child should be able to adapt fine to slight differences in routines.
Look for non-verbal clues that your child is suffering
If your child is acting out, it could be due to issues in your home or your co-parents. It could also be a general cry for help as they struggle to process the new situation.
Every parent wants what is best for their child. Adapting your parenting style to your new reality can help your child thrive post-divorce and make sharing custody easier for all involved.
