Whether you are contemplating or already proceeding into the divorce process, you probably have some questions and concerns about your future. This can especially be true if you are a parent since bringing your marriage to an end can have an impact in many areas of your children’s lives. Minimizing complications, keeping your children as happy as possible and maintaining strong relationships between your children and each parent are probably some of your top priorities during these times.
The majority of child custody arrangements here in Colorado and across the nation allow each parent to spend a significant amount of time in their children’s lives. Because of this, establishing a healthy co-parenting relationship may be critical to your future best interests. A successful co-parenting environment can minimize the chance of developing contentious issues regarding the children, while also lowering any possible tension between you and your former partner.
Specific measures you can implement
There are a multitude of different ways that you can minimize potential conflicts in your co-parenting relationship, including the following:
- Set up weekly check-ins: Having a set time each week that you and your former partner can communicate about upcoming events or any changes in your children’s needs can help limit any confusion, especially during the busier times of the year.
- Utilize a co-parenting schedule: Creating a monthly calendar with the other parent that documents the majority of your children’s upcoming activities can eliminate a lot of uncertainty and potential chaos, which is great for everyone’s mental health.
- Avoid speaking badly of the other parent in your children’s presence: This can create a lot of unnecessary stress for your children, causing them to limit how much they disclose about their daily activities with the other parent in an attempt not to upset you.
- Establish boundaries: Respectfully communicating from the start with your former partner about important and sometimes contentious topics, such as holiday and birthday plans and who else may spend quality time with your children, can decrease the chance of future conflict.
Finally, taking time for self-care measures when you are away from your children, such as exercising, socializing, reading, getting out in nature and many other forms of stress relief, can all recharge and refresh you both physically and mentally. You can also have peace of mind from knowing that, should a situation arise where a change to your existing child custody arrangement is justified and needed, there are professional resources readily available to guide you through the process while zealously fighting for your desired outcome.