For divorced co-parents, effective communication is one of the best things they can focus on. It can help their post-divorce life go much more smoothly. It’s also a way to put the children first since co-parents have to communicate about child custody decisions and much more.
That being said, it’s often hard for people to communicate after they’ve been through a divorce, especially if things were a bit messy. Here are a few tips that may help.
Be respectful
First of all, it is important to be respectful of the other co-parent. You do not always have to get along, but try to avoid saying things that will just escalate the situation, and avoid badmouthing your ex in front of your children. Keep the children’s best interests in mind, as a civil relationship between parents is often best for them.
Have a schedule
For some parents, it’s best to have a schedule, such as a weekly time for a conversation or a phone call. This way, both parents know that they’re going to touch base and it’s always a convenient time to do so. Sporadic communication can be a bit more difficult and may be seen as highly inconvenient by someone who is very busy.
Choose your communication methods carefully
Finally, remember that not all communication methods will work for all couples. Some people are not in a position where having a face-to-face conversation is a good idea, so a phone call may be better. Still others may find a phone call too difficult, so a text-based conversation or an email would be optimal.
Co-parenting can be difficult, but parents who understand all of their legal rights can take intentional steps to make things go smoothly.