Separation and divorce can have a consequential impact on any family and if there are kids involved, then it is an even bigger struggle. Custody and co-parenting struggles can be very tricky.
For children, learning to live with two parents, not under the same roof can also take some time to adjust to.
From custody battles, visitation schedules, splitting time between parents, it can be a little stressful for the little ones too- more so if parents do not get along with each other.
Experts have long stressed that the absence of a healthy relationship or emotional void can make a child vulnerable to developing unhealthy relationships in the future.
Tips to successfully co-parent with your child well
Even if the marriage or the relationship falls apart, the family unit cannot. Hence, co-parenting should be done right. Here are some easy tips for parents to co-parent wisely, and create a happy family space for children:
1. Do not bring children into fights
Chances are, if you have had a divorce, or have been separated for long, you are unlikely to see eye-to-eye on many issues. However, as parents, priority, even during fights should remain the child’s well-being. Digging up old issues or dragging matters will only deviate you from the issue at hand. Focus on your child’s well-being and devise effective communication channels which make co-parenting easier. Be cordial, adopt a neutral view. Your mindset should be one that works to benefit your child and not one that leads to a road full of conflicts. Have a mature and positive outlook and you’ll feel things falling in place.
2. Establish both homes as ‘safe’ spaces
One thing that can happen in broken homes can be an inclination for a child to feel more connected, safer or ‘at home’ with one of the parents. Yes, gaps can happen but it shouldn’t let the child feel less connected to the other parent. This should be a priority for both parents so that the time you spend with your child is more fruitful and you co-parent better, in the long run.
More importantly, a child should feel safe and secure. It’s also advisable for parents to keep their ex-partners in the loop about the neighbourhood, living conditions and family dynamics so that they don’t worry endlessly about the child. Children, as well as the co-parents, should feel comfortable about the situation.
3. Co-parent as a team
Last but not least, parents, remember to keep your egos aside and co-parent as a team. Children, at no point, should feel disjointed in the arrangement. Parenting will make you take decisions keeping in mind the interests of your ex, whether you like or not. Bickering, lack of clarity, turning decisions into a competitive sport to outdo the other will only make matters worse for your child.
At the same time, it’s crucial that you maintain consistency between both of your schedules and parenting styles. Not only will it make the transition easier, but also make child-rearing easier. It will also avoid the chances for constant fights and arguments. Seeing your child happy will make your life easier.
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