Raising a kid is hard enough as is, but it can be even more challenging when you have to do so with another individual who always seems to be antagonistic. This is the co-parenting challenge that many Americans face. We know that it can be maddening, frustrating, and overwhelming to deal with co-parenting issues, but they’re not going to go away. So, instead of getting down on the situation, take a look at these tips to see if you can utilize any of them to make your co-parenting situation a little easier.
- Don’t use your child: We know that it can be hard to communicate with your child’s other parent, but you and the other parent should both try to avoid using the child as a messenger. Doing so just puts your child in the middle of a confrontational relationship, which can be damaging to his or her mental health.
- Keep the focus on your child: This sounds simple enough, but it’s easy for discussions about your child to devolve into personal attacks against the other parent. Remember to couch all conversations on what’s best for your child.
- Set the right tone: Even when communication with your child’s other parent is difficult, try not to get too aggressive or confrontational. Instead, try maintaining a business-like tone and make requests in a firm fashion.
- Provide consistency: Going between two households is tough for children. That’s why it’s important that you try to work with your child’s other parent to provide some consistency. Discuss disciplinary measures and house rules so that you can find some common ground, recognizing that not everything has to be the same.
Find a balance that is right for you and your child
We know that co-parenting can be challenging. It’s something that you actively have to work on if you want it to get better. So, consider implementing the tips discussed above and talking about them with your child’s other parent. After all, you may find that he or she is more receptive to building a strong co-parenting relationship than you think.