Tips On How To Effectively Co-Parent
During a divorce, there is so much more to think about when you have children.
One of the most important things to discuss is how you and your co-parent will raise your children. What you think is the right path forward may differ significantly from what your soon to be former spouse believes.
But, when you use the collaborative divorce process, both of you and your children will be supported by divorce coaches, mental health experts and child specialists.
We are often asked by our clients if we have any tips on how they can effectively co-parent. Here are a few suggestions that can help you in this process:
- Don’t make your children pick a side – show a united front
- Decide what are your non-negotiable issues with parenting
- Find a way to have special time with each of your children regularly – it doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy – just time you devote exclusively to them
- Determine how holidays, weekends and school breaks will be handled
- Decide how you will handle medical decisions, especially when an emergency occurs
- As much as possible, both parents should attend school events – even when it’s a teacher or principal conference
- If you have an issue or concern, don’t go through your children to find a solution. Work directly with the other parent to find a path forward
Co-parenting is much more than a written agreement, and it is found in how you act, treat, and speak to each other. Take the high road and work together – your child’s emotional wellbeing is counting on it, no matter their age.
The Collaborative Practice San Diego is a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary referral network of independent professionals of attorneys, mental health professionals and financial advisors working together to learn, practice, and promote Collaborative processes for problem solving and the peaceful resolution of family law issues.
Contact us today to see how we can help preserve your family unit while working through the divorce process.
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal/financial/tax/or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, mental health or tax professional to determine what will work best for your situation.
