Going through a divorce is a difficult process even under the best of circumstances. The situation becomes even more complicated when children are involved. Parents who are committed to working together to successfully co-parent their children can still face unexpected challenges related to custody issues, the children’s education and healthcare, finances and scheduling issues during holidays and summer vacations. However, there are proactive steps that both spouses can take that will help them navigate these challenges while ensuring that their children’s best interests remain a top priority. If you and your spouse are going through a divorce and you are committed to co-parenting your children, an experienced divorce lawyer can assist you with every step of the divorce process and offer effective tips and strategies for successful co-parenting.
What Is Co-Parenting?
“Co-parenting” refers to the relationship a former couple takes on after their separtion to raise their children together, even though they are no longer living together as a family. In most cases, it is in the best interest of the children to have both parents actively involved in their day-to-day lives. While it can take some time for both parents to reach a point where they can set aside their differences and focus solely on the well-being of the children, co-parenting ensures that the children are loved and cared for, and that they can continue to maintain close relationships with both parents.
What Are Some Effective Co-Parenting Tips?
Both parents must be willing to compromise, be flexible, and communicate about issues ranging from finances and healthcare to education and parenting time. The following are examples of some helpful and effective tips that can help divorced couples co-parent successfully:
- Be honest with children about the divorce. Children are perceptive and can tell when something is wrong. This can cause them to feel scared, sad, and stressed, or that the divorce is somehow their fault. Having an open, honest, and age-appropriate conversation with the children will give them the opportunity to talk about their feelings and allow you to acknowledge those feelings and reassure them they will continue to be loved and cared for by both parents.
- Avoid arguing in front of the children. While you are encouraged to have an open, honest conversation with your children about the divorce, do not argue, or discuss specific issues that you are having a difficult time resolving. This is extremely stressful for children and can impact their relationship with you and/or your former spouse.
- Maintain stability. A divorce can cause a lot of change and upheaval, so it is important to maintain the existing relationships they have with friends and other relatives, like grandparents, cousins, and aunts and uncles.
- Be present. It is crucial to spend quality time with your children, take an active interest in their day-to-day activities, and encourage them to talk about any issues they may be struggling with, particularly if they are related to the divorce.
- Maintain effective communication with your co-parent. This is not always easy, but it is essential if you and your ex-spouse are going to have a successful co-parenting relationship. There are a number of ways that you can communicate, including in person, on the phone or via text or email. Keep all conversation focused on the children’s needs, and not your own.
- Help make transitions as smooth as possible. When the children are transitioning from one household to another, help make the pick-up and drop-off as smooth as possible by dropping them off and picking them up on time, making sure that they have everything they need for the visit, and maintaining a positive attitude about your co-parent.
Whitehouse Station Divorce Lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC Help Clients Navigate the Co-Parenting Process
If you are going through a divorce, and you and your spouse are committed to successfully co-parenting your children, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Whitehouse Station divorce lawyer at Tune Law Group, LLC. We will guide you through every step of the divorce process and recommend effective strategies to help you and your spouse co-parent effectively. To schedule an initial consultation, call us today at 908-534-9091 or contact us online. Our office is located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, where we serve clients throughout New Jersey, including in Tewksbury, Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Morris County, and Warren County.