Divorce is a challenging experience for parents and children, and post-divorce life can take some time to get used to. However, like everything else in life, with patience and dedication, people can make it through to the other side.
Co-parenting after divorce
Many parents decide to co-parent because they want to continue raising their children and being a part of their children’s lives even though they are no longer married to the other parent.
Children do very well when their parents choose to do this, and research supports this. Most kids want a relationship with both parents, and having them in their lives benefits them in many ways.
Co-parenting challenges
However, sometimes co-parenting can be challenging. With both parents living apart, the kids have two homes, two sets of everything, and two different routines depending on the parents. It is possible to make it easier, though, and it is certainly possible to make it work if both parents are committed to it.
The most common co-parenting challenges are often:
- Lack of honest communication between the parents
- Two different routines that disrupt the kids’ lives
- Lack of firm yet kind boundaries in place
- Forgetting that respect is critical in co-parenting
How to make it work
Despite the challenges you may encounter, you can make co-parenting work if you keep these tips in mind. Parents should communicate openly and honestly. Ideally, both parents put the children first, act maturely and understand the task at hand, which is to raise healthy, happy kids.
When you communicate, try to create similar routines. Even though the kids might have two homes, parents can still coordinate to share similar routines. For example, getting up at the same time each day, having breakfast with the parent at the same time, and scheduling homework and dinner together so it is consistent regardless of where the child is.
While working together to create a successful co-parenting plan, remember that respecting each other is one of the most important things you can do. Your children are always watching, and they need to see their parents as a united front.
With commitment, communication and cooperation, divorced parents can make co-parenting work, no matter how difficult it initially looks. By prioritizing your children, their stability and respecting each other, you are well on your way to success.
