You should expect to run into a variety of co-parenting issues, as raising a child with an ex-spouse is not always easy. Even when you get along relatively well, there will still be times when you run into challenges.
Here are several co-parenting issues that could come to light at some point:
- The other parent is talking badly about you to your children. You hope this never happens, but it’s not out of the question for the other parent to put your children in the middle of your bad relationship.
- Schedule changes. As your children grow, the need to alter schedules will probably move to the forefront. Just the same, there may come a time when you ask the other parent for flexibility. It’s a good idea for both parents to remain reasonably flexible in regards to schedules.
- Power struggles. You want to raise your children one way, while your ex has a different idea. This is a big part of co-parenting, as the two of you need to find a happy medium.
- Lack of consistency. You need to have consistency between your two homes, as this is the best way for your children to get and remain on a schedule. For example, if bedtime at your house is 8 p.m. but the other parent sets a bedtime of midnight, there will be a problem soon enough.
These are the types of co-parenting issues you can expect to face at some point. If you always put your children first, you should be able to get past most of these issues in a timely manner.