Child custody situations can be difficult to handle because you have to deal with your ex. One of the most important things for you and your ex to remember is that your children will be watching how you interact with each other. A major part of what they may experience is you and your ex communicating.
Whether you’re dealing with contentious matters or not, these tips may be beneficial.
Keep the focus on your children
All conversations that you have as a co-parent should be focused on the children. It might be easy to start to slip into what ended your relationship, but that’s never a good idea. By keeping the focus on your children, you can avoid unnecessary conflicts and may help to align you and your ex as a parenting team.
Remove emotions from the conversation
Conversations with your ex may lead to strong emotions, including anger, frustration and resentment. Try to keep these conversations respectful, calm and businesslike. This can help you to remain focused on the children so you can make decisions that are in their best interests. It can also help if you’re dealing with a contentious ex who thrives on invoking reactions in others.
Consider written communication
Some exes simply can’t speak to each other in a productive manner. Using written options, such as texts, co-parenting apps or emails may be beneficial. This gives you the chance to review your response prior to sending the message. It also provides you with documentation of the conversation, which can be important if disputes arise.
Having a comprehensive parenting plan can also take the stress out of these situations. Working with someone familiar with your circumstances and the best interests of your children may be beneficial.
