Raising children with an ex isn’t always an easy situation. If you and your ex can get along civilly, you may choose to co-parent. This parenting model requires both parents to work as a team to do what’s best for their children.
Using the co-parenting model requires that both parties agree on specific terms to govern the parenting relationship. These are a few considerations that may help you to get everything in order if you’re going to try to use this style of parenting after your split.
Set communication standards
Communication is one of the most important parts of co-parenting. You and your ex should be able to speak calmly to each other so decisions can be made about the children in ways that don’t cause or escalate tension. If a contentious topic comes up, you and your ex may need to take a bit to think about the situation and calm down so you can come back to address the matter more effectively later.
Discuss parenting time schedules
Your parenting time schedule is another important decision that has to be made. Co-parents may choose to split holidays, which means you may have your child one Christmas, but your ex has them the next. Some co-parents choose to spend holidays together with their children, but this should be carefully planned. Wherever you “land” when it comes to parenting time schedules, you’ll want to do so thoughtfully, as the consequences of rash decisions can impact everyone for years to come.
Talk about attending events jointly
There will be times when you and your ex have to attend events together. These are usually important for your child, so it’s critical that there are guidelines for how these situations will be handled so that your child has the support they need at things like school plays, graduations and other events.
Getting your parenting plan set is one of the most important steps you need to take if you and your child’s other parent end your romantic relationship. Working to get it set up properly can help to ensure that both parties know exactly what their responsibilities are. Seeking personalized legal guidance is a great way to get started.
