Divorce is hard on children. According to Family Means, children of divorce are more likely to struggle academically, deal with change poorly and have emotional issues. However, you can take specific steps to improve their life moving forward.
If you worry about your children’s development after divorce, continue reading for five co-parenting tips. Your children can live a stable, balanced life in the future.
1. Communicate early and often
Your first goal has more to do with your ex-spouse than your children. Even though you ended your marriage, your relationship with your spouse does not end when you have kids. Communication and cooperation is the most important part, despite your personal feelings towards each other.
2. Prioritize your kids over resentment
Successful co-parents can set aside their anger and resentment for their children. You might still have disagreements, but always keep your kid’s needs ahead of petty arguments.
3. Separate your kids from spousal disagreements
Never include your children in disagreements. Do not relay messages through your kids, and do not try to manipulate their feelings about your ex-spouse.
4. Remove stress from transitions
Try to make visitation easier by removing any unnecessary obstacles. Communicate clearly with your children and set realistic expectations for parenting time. Another good idea is for each parent to drop the kids off as much as possible. Picking up the kids sometimes feels like an interruption for the other spouse.
5. Follow a routine
Finally, you should make a routine and stick to it. Consistency helps kids deal with change easier and avoids unpleasant surprises.
This short article cannot cover every aspect of co-parenting, but it is a start. Parenting with your ex-spouse takes work. Start developing habits now; as the years pass, things will get easier.