Being in a parenting relationship means that you have to be able always to put the kids first. There are bound to be times when your and your ex’s ideas don’t align. In those times, the way each person behaves can have a profound impact on the kids.
One of the most important things to remember is that every decision you make has to be based on what’s best for the kids. There are several things to consider when you’re co-parenting.
Put respect first
You don’t have to like your ex to co-parent with them. Instead, you have to decide that you’re going to respect them. It helps some people think of the arrangement as a business so they can remain objective and calm. Even if your ex starts to be combative, it’s best for you to stay calm and respectful. Not only can this help you to keep the stress down, but it can also help to provide a valuable example for the kids.
Forget the past
Never let what happened to end the relationship impact how you handle things now. Those matters don’t have anything to do with the kids unless there was abuse or neglect present that would affect the kids’ health or safety directly.
Parenting relationships after divorce aren’t ever easy. Working with your ex to get past the challenges is essential. A solid parenting plan will help improve the chance of a smooth transition with the kids. Conflict resolution methods included in the plan will likely help.