You may never have pictured yourself getting divorced and trying to cooperatively share parenting responsibilities with your former spouse. But this is a reality for many families following the divorce process.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, 746,971 divorces and annulments occurred in the U.S. Whether you recently divorced or ended your marriage several years ago, refining the way you communicate with your ex can benefit your co-parenting relationship and your children.
1. Focus conversations on your kids
It is easy to get into other topics besides your children when talking to your co-parent, especially right after your divorce. Keep conversations as focused on your children as you can to prevent arguments and heated conversations with your ex.
2. Refrain from fighting in front of your children
Disagreements with your co-parent are almost inevitable after your divorce. Resolve major disagreements away from your children, and find another way to resolve larger issues if you cannot come to a solution with your ex. This may mean involving a neutral third party, like a mediator.
3. Keep communication concise
Adopt a communication method that allows you and your former spouse to keep conversations clear and concise. This will look different for every situation and may involve text messaging, emails, phone conversations or in-person meetings.
Learning how to effectively co-parent with your former spouse takes time and practice. Commit to staying civil with your ex and keeping your relationship with your children to make this new parenting arrangement work.
