Family Law Gold Coast: Tips on How to Deal With Co-Parenting for Divorced Couples

Co-parenting after a separation is rarely easy, particularly if you have a contentious relationship with your ex-partner. You are worried about the parenting abilities of your ex, feel exhausted by conflict, managing child support, and many other financial issues. Do you also think you will never overcome all the problems in your relationship?

But co-parenting can be done amicably with your ex with the help of a family law attorney. It can give your kids the security, stability, and good relationships with both parents whom they need.

What is Co-Parenting?

Unless your family has suffered from major issues like substance abuse or domestic violence, co-parenting is the best way to ensure all the needs of the children are met. It means that both parents have an active role to play in the everyday lives of the kids.

Studies revealed that the quality of the relationship between the two parents has a major influence on the emotional and mental well-being of the kids. It also lessens the incidence of depression and anxiety. But setting aside relationship problems, co-parent is easier said than done after a bitter divorce.

Do Not Put Kids in the Middle

You may not lose all of the bitterness and resentment that you feel toward your partner about your separation. But, what you can do is try to forget about those feelings and remember that they are your problems and not your kids'.

Children Are Not Messengers In This Case

When you use your kids to convey messages to the other co-parent, it puts them in the middle of the conflict. Your main goal should be to keep your child out of your relationship problems. Therefore, call or email your ex directly.

Remember that it is not necessary to meet your ex-spouse in person all the time. You can communicate through texts or emails for most of the conversations. The goal is to establish trouble-free communication. So, see which type of contact is suitable for you. Consult with your family law legal expert for this.

Separate Feelings from Behavior

It is okay to be angry and hurt. But, do not let your feelings dictate your behavior. What you can do is work with the other parent in a mature manner. Motivate your feelings and actions.

Communication Methods for Co-parenting

·         Keep conversations kid-focused. If you feel angry or resentful, try to remember why you need to act with purpose.

·         Listen. Communicating with maturity starts with listening. And listening does not indicate approval, so you cannot lose anything by allowing your ex to voice their opinions.

·         Show restraint. You can train yourself to not overreact to your ex, and over time you can become numb to the buttons they try to push.

·         Make requests. Try framing requests as much as you can, rather make statements, which can be misunderstood as demands.

The secret to the success of co-parenting is to separate it from your personal relationship with your ex. According to your family law Gold Coast counselor, your marriage may have ended, but your relationship with your kids is not. Do what is best for them, which must be your topmost priority.