Divorce is a situation that highlights the differences in parental values and parenting styles for many couples. Once the marriage is over, many people assume they can resort to whatever parenting practices they want to without regard to the other parent.
Though separation and divorce in Louisville, KY, often bring about the split of once-shared expenses, responsibilities and marital assets, parents must learn to co-parent their children to the best of their abilities and post-divorce circumstances. To do this, they should learn to put their differences aside.
With careful consideration of their children’s best interests and in cooperation with the other parent, successful co-parenting is possible. Here are a few suggestions that can make co-parenting after divorce less taxing and more pleasant for everyone.
- Get over the negative feelings
The end of a relationship, especially marriage, is not always pleasant. Getting caught up in feelings of anger and grief can make it harder for you and your children to move on. It also makes it more challenging to see past your feelings and work with the other parent for your children’s sake. Take time to identify potential negative emotions that are interfering with your ability to maintain a healthy, mutually respectful co-parenting relationship with your ex and clear the air. If you find that you cannot get past them, counseling may help.
- Do not use the kids as weapons
It is very common for some divorcees to wield their children as weapons. Not only is this behavior harmful to the co-parenting relationship, but it is also very toxic and abusive to the children. Your kids need to see that their parents still love them and remain committed to providing them with the best upbringing possible.
- Always show proper respect to each other
Your children will need to adjust to living and abiding by the rules of two separate households. As much as it might behoove you to relinquish control over what goes on between your kids and their other parent, you must learn to accept the new boundaries that the separation brings. Learn to respect your ex-partner and his or her parenting decisions and rules as long as they do not put the children at risk of abuse or neglect. By respecting the new dynamics of your family and the custody and parenting agreement, you can avoid many problems that can waylay your progress.
If you do not agree with something that you learn is going on in the other household, approach the situation tactfully and responsibly. Always show the other parent respect, regardless of your feelings. To do otherwise could result in behavioral and emotional challenges for your children that could interfere with your relationship with them and their relationship with the other parent.
