Tips to help you make the most of co-parenting

Co-parenting is sometimes a challenging situation but remembering a few quick points might help you refocus your efforts and ensure that your children have the environment they need.

One of the most important things to remember is that your children are always watching you. They try to see how to navigate through some of life’s situations by watching what you do. What they observe can shape how they react to similar situations later in life.

Be willing to ask yourself questions that will help you stay on track with co-parenting. These questions won’t always be easy, but they can shed light onto why you react the way that you do in various situations. Some questions that might come in handy include:

• What decision would I make if I were still married?
• Am I making this decision for my kids and not because of my ex?
• How can I make sure my kids are always first?

It might help you to remember that you are a parenting team with your ex. Just because things didn’t work out with your marriage doesn’t mean that they can’t be a good parent. There are going to be challenges that come up with your ex, but working as a team can keep the stress down as you figure things out.

You should always encourage your children to have a meaningful relationship with you and your ex. The love of both parents doesn’t have to be a competition. Instead, the children can rest easy realizing that they have two supportive adults in their lives who love them very much.

On the practical side of matters, you need to ensure that there is a parenting plan in place that outlines the way the relationship will work. You can turn to this when things get challenging or when you need guidance about something.