8 Tips For Co-Parenting With An Ex You Detest

“Co-parenting is not a competition between two homes. It is a collaboration of parents who are doing what is best for the children.” – Unknown

Key Points: 

Co parenting is an arrangement after divorce in which both parents participate in their children's upbringing and activities.
People may choose to co-parent to put children's wellbeing ahead of conflict, as contact with both parents is often beneficial for kids.
Tips for co parenting include focusing on one's kids, committing to at least minimal communication with an ex, and letting go of differences.

If this is your first divorce, you’ll hear the words “co-parent” quite often. But what does that mean? And how is it possible to do that with someone who has hurt you, betrayed you, or simply stopped loving you? Perhaps you also have stopped loving your ex and would rather have as little to do with him or her as possible.

You don’t know what you don’t know — at least not yet. Read on:

What Is Co Parenting?

Co parenting is defined as “a post-divorce parenting arrangement in which both parents continue to jointly participate in their children’s upbringing and activities. This involves a substantial amount of interaction between the parents (both in public and in private),” according to MR. Men’s Rights’ website.

Related: 7 Keys To Co-Parenting After You Have Remarried

Why Co-Parent?

1. It’s about your kids.

Your kids need you both, even if you and your ex don’t agree on some things. Or even if you don’t agree on most things. Your kids need you both because a strong attachment to both of you is the foundation for a healthy and successful future for them.

Unless there is a serious reason why a parent shouldn’t be involved, usually determined by a judge, your kids need you both.

2. It’s about ending the conflict.

Co parenting means that you put the children ahead of your emotions about your ex. You and your ex probably agree on one thing: Your kids are the most important people in your life, and you want to do what is best for them.

Even if you don’t agree on anything else, one thing is almost certain: You both love your kids. So, for their sake, can you put your love for your kids and their wellbeing ahead of your negative feelings about your ex?

How To Co-Parent:

1. Make a schedule that you both agree to.

Make the schedule realistic for both of you, your work schedules, and your kids’ school schedules. Put it in writing so there is no misunderstanding about what you have agreed to.

2. Commit to at least minimal communication.

At the minimum, your communication should help make seamless transitions between on-and off-duty parenting time. Your kids will feel secure knowing that their parents are working together even if divorced. Communication should be brief, neutral, and focused on a specific topic or request. This could be by email or text (if time-sensitive).

Here are some examples:

a. Sam has been more clingy than usual. He needs more hugs.

b. Mel has a spelling test on Friday. Can you please help her practice?

c. Ruby has a birthday party on Saturday at Jax’s house. Can you take her? I would like to take her if you can’t. Please let me know.

d. Toby needs a new backpack. I will bring him one and drop it off tomorrow.

Related: 9 Tips For Co-Parenting With Your Difficult Ex

3. With even a little communication, you can make it easier for your kids.

But the key is keeping your annoyance or anger out of the email or text. Here are some communication examples that will definitely make things worse for you and your kids:

a. I can’t believe you let the kids stay up so late on a school night! What were you thinking?

b. Jess says she hates your cooking. And you need to stop giving them dessert if they don’t finish their dinner.

4. Avoid using your kids as spies, messengers, allies, or confidantes.

It is normal to want to know what goes on at “the other house.” But if your kids feel like you are probing them with your questions, they will feel caught in the middle. It is a burden because it puts your kids into a loyalty bind.

5. You don’t have to have the same rules and expectations at each house.

If you are able to have similar rules, it does make the transition easier for the kids. But if you didn’t agree when you were married, you probably aren’t going to agree now.

a. But that is okay as long as you and your ex are no longer arguing. Your kids will adjust to your different homes. Kids learn that some things are ok at mom’s house, but not at dad’s. They may learn that mom expects them to make their beds in the morning, but dad does not.

b. This will not cause lasting damage to them. But the ongoing conflict between you and your ex will.

Related: 7 Tips for Communicating with Your Children About Your Divorce

6. Letting go is key.

You and your ex both probably think that you are good parents. Nearly all parents have differences in parenting style.

To co-parent successfully, you’ll need to let go of those differences when you can’t agree. Take some breaths, vent to a friend (not your kids), and then move on. You will heal more quickly from the divorce if you can do this.

Want to know more about successful coparenting? Check this video out below!

7. Stay on your side of the fence.

You or your ex may feel that the other parent is controlling or intrusive. This could trigger a fight, but it doesn’t have to. Let it go. It calls for restraint.

Don’t let your ex know when you are critical of his/her parenting unless s/he asks for your feedback or advice. And if your ex is giving you unwanted feedback or advice, just say “thank you for your input” and leave it at that.

8. Your kids don’t need to know what you think of your ex.

Adjusting to divorce takes time and healing. At the same time, you have to learn how to help your children through the divorce. One way is to co-parent effectively with your ex even if you hate each other. Focus on your kids and minimize the friction between you and your ex.

Related: 7 Ways To Help Your Child Cope-Up With Your Divorce

These tips will help you move from parenting in marriage to successful and cooperative co parenting after divorce.

If you have a question or would like to comment you can go to my Facebook page to join the conversation.

© Ann Gold Buscho, Ph.D. 2021

References:

https://mensrightsdivorcelaw.com/blog/co-parenting-and-parallel-parenti…
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/co-parenting-tips-f…
Written By Ann Gold Buscho
Originally Appeared On Psychology Today
tips for co parenting pin

— Share —

,
,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

How To Deal With A Disrespectful Grown Child: 10 Parenting Moves That Work

How To Deal With A Disrespectful Grown Child

It’s one of the toughest pills to swallow: a disrespectful grown child. Whether they’re dismissing your advice, talking back, or just acting like they couldn’t care less about you or your feelings, it hurts. But how to deal with a disrespectful grown child without feeling like you’re losing your mind?

Today, we are going to talk about the signs of a disrespectful grown child and how to deal with one. Spoiler: It’s not about “getting back at them” — it’s about creating change together, so that you can have a healthy relationship with each other, that’s based on mutual respect.

First, let’s start with the signs of a disrespectful grown child.

Related:

Up Next

Give Your Mom A Break: 5 Ways To Pamper Her This National Lazy Mom’s Day

Give Your Mom A Break Ways To Pamper Her

Motherhood is a non-stop role, with no time-outs or scheduled breaks. From managing household chores to balancing work and family life, moms are always on the go. This National Lazy Mom’s Day, it’s time to give mom a break and show her she deserves a day to relax and recharge.

Moms constantly juggle numerous tasks, leading to mental exhaustion and a lack of personal time. Just like anyone else, moms need a break to decompress and regain energy. A day of rest not only refreshes them but also helps them continue being the loving, attentive figures they’ve always been.

Up Next

The Parentified Daughter: 10 Signs Your Childhood Was Burdened With Responsibilities

Parentified Daughter Childhood Was Burdened With Responsibilities

They say girls “mature too fast,” but for some parentified daughters, it’s a reality driven by the heavy responsibilities for their families, well beyond their years. This phenomenon is known as child parentification.

It occurs when a child is burdened with tasks and emotional support roles that should belong to their parents or guardians. When the parentified eldest daughter takes on responsibilities early in life, it can profoundly shape her personality and relationships.

If this sounds all too real, let’s learn the common signs of a parentified daughter, so you can understand the unique challenges and childhood experiences that continue to influence their lives as adults.

Up Next

When Grandparents’ Love Goes Sour: 8 Signs Of Toxic Grandparents And How To Survive Them

Signs Of Toxic Grandparents

Have you ever noticed certain behaviors that make you wonder if your grandparents’ love might be a little… off? Spotting the signs of toxic grandparents can be tough, especially when society paints them as the ultimate source of unconditional love and support.

But sometimes, grandparents might cross boundaries, show favoritism, or create a stressful environment that doesn’t quite feel right. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about their behavior, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll dive into the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of toxic grandparents and give you some strategies regarding how to deal with toxic grandparents, without causing family drama.

First, let us try to understand what are toxic grandparents.

Up Next

Unlocking The Pain Of The Past: 10 Signs Of Repressed Childhood Trauma In Adults

Ever find yourself reacting strongly to situations and not quite sure why? Either you hear echoes of your past, or it’s probably because you listen to your inner child. In this article, we’re delving into the signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults – those subtle whispers from your younger self that can shape your present.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Up Next

The Hidden Toll of Childhood Emotional Incest: Identifying Signs and Effects

Emotional incest confuses parent-child dynamics, creating emotional dependency. Let’s look at the signs and effects of this incomprehensible relationship to gain a better understanding.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Emotional incest has been compared to actual incest because it similarly creates long-lasting effects on psychosocial developme

Up Next

How To Create A Toddler-Friendly Home: 10 Helpful Tips For New Parents!

Bringing a toddler to your house can be both exciting and challenging. As soon as they begin taking notice of their surroundings, the environment in which they dwell must be secure, comfortable, and conducive to growth.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

It is important to learn how to create a toddler-friendly home because this will provide them with holistic development o

— Follow Us —