Tips and Tools for Better Co-Parenting After Divorce

Tips and Tools for Better Co-Parenting After Divorce

When parents divorce, it causes inevitable changes to the family dynamic. Parents need to learn how to work together to provide the best parenting they can for their children, both during the separation period and after the divorce is final. Parents must find ways to unite to help their children adjust to the new normal and thrive as they grow. You can successfully co-parent with some useful tips and resources.

 

Co-Parenting Strategies

Improve Communication

Parents will do best when they agree to better communicate with each other. Set some ground rules, such as agreeing not to discuss your own issues, but instead stick to talking about the children. Schedule a time each week to speak directly to each other about the children. You need to keep up-to-date on issues such as school performance, behavior matters, and health issues, among others.

 

Present a Unified Front

Parents often have differing styles of parenting. Regardless of the style you prefer, it is helpful to try to agree on the basic parameters of your parenting rules. This allows children to have the same standards no matter which parent is in charge at the time. Kids will adjust more easily to the divorce when they understand that they can expect the same rules at both homes. Avoid saying something negative about the other parent.

 

Compromise

Compromise is an essential component of good parenting. Although you no longer live under the same roof, you need to work with your former spouse in order to resolve differences before they get out of hand. Remember that compromise will help keep the family running smoothly and prevent disagreements. Learning to effectively co-parent will help you avoid future disputes.

 

Put the Children’s Needs First

Although parents often disagree about many issues, their jobs are to provide and care for their children. Parents should always consider the needs of their child first and their own needs or wants secondary. Avoid petty disputes and consider what is in the best interest of your child, both physically and emotionally.

 

Parent Education Programs

Children do not come with instruction manuals, and some parents find parenting challenging or stressful. Divorce can complicate matters and may make it even more difficult to provide the high-quality parenting your child deserves. North Carolina offers a parent education program. The program is specifically designed for parents who are taking part in child custody or divorce issues through the courts. However, the program is open to others. Programs are managed through the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC).

 

Programs offer resources such as informative booklets as well as online or in-person classes and presentations. The programs offer information for parents to help them deal with the many questions and issues that arise, as well as to learn basic parenting skills and provide support. The court may require parents to attend a parenting course as part of the divorce process. Each jurisdiction has its own resources, so you should check with your local court for details.

 

To learn more about parenting through separation and divorce, contact us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation.

 

https://www.nccourts.gov/about/nc-administrative-office-of-the-courts

https://www.nccourts.gov/programs/access-and-visitation-program/parent-education-program

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/co-parenting

 

 

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