For divorced Ohio couples who have younger children, co-parenting is not always easy. Perhaps you were the one who spent the majority of your time taking care of the children while your spouse worked. Now, you will need to coordinate schedules, school functions, extracurricular activities and health appointments with your ex. Having to remain tied to your ex can add to the stress of the situation.
However, it is important to remember that even though the divorce was about you, co-parenting is about your children. You divorced your ex, but they are still a part of their other parent. The following co-parenting tips can help you and your spouse navigate this new territory.
Tailor a schedule to suit your needs
Not all divorced couples are alike. Work schedules can vary and change. When designing your co-parenting schedule, customize it to fit into you and your ex’s lives. If you have different work schedules, you may coordinate having the kids on your days off while your ex takes them on the days you have to work.
Communicate with each other
Do not expect to never speak with your ex. Open communication is key and required at times. If something should land your child in the emergency room, you and your ex need to inform each other. When scheduling conflicts arise, they can be solved by communicating.
Be open to changes or amendments
It may be a permanent adjustment or a one-time change so your child can take part in your ex’s family events. As your children grow and become more independent, it may make more sense for them to spend more time with one parent or the other.
Listen to your children
Again, co-parenting is about your children and their well-being. Be open to their input as they age and do not take anything personal before making your decisions.
If you can’t say something nice
It may be hard to hold your feelings about your ex inside, but it is important to remember that your children are not your sounding boards. They love your ex as much as they love you. If you cannot say anything positive about your ex, just don’t speak about them.