When it comes to co-parenting, there will be times when you’re stuck and looking for answers. This isn’t a fun place to be, but it’s important to remember that there’s a solution to every problem.
Here are four co-parenting tips that will change your approach for the better:
- Be flexible with scheduling: Scheduling conflicts are common when co-parenting, so keeping some level of flexibility is a must. Don’t let the other person walk all over you, but do keep an open mind.
- Think about the other parent’s feelings: Yes, you need to do what’s best for you and your children. However, this doesn’t mean you should go out of your way to harm your ex-spouse.
- Don’t look for an argument: There are times when you’ll argue with your ex-spouse. It’s a given. What you want to avoid is turning every small disagreement into a blowout argument.
- Communication is key: An open line of communication improves the likelihood of staying on the same page. This doesn’t mean you have to talk every day. It doesn’t mean you have to discuss your personal life. You simply want to find a way to effectively communicate, as it makes it much easier to coordinate on a variety of details.
When you follow these co-parenting tips, you’ll feel better about your ability to get along with your ex-spouse (for the sake of your children).
If your ex-spouse continues to make decisions that violate your parenting agreement, you’ll want to speak up. If that doesn’t work, learn more about your legal rights as a parent in Illinois.