When you divorce, you likely want your children to maintain relationships with you and your ex. One of the ways to do this is by creating a parenting plan and sharing parental responsibilities.
Since a judge decides the outcome of less than 5% of child custody cases, according to the American Bar Association, many parents decide to co-parent. But even if this is the chosen arrangement, conflict can still occur. The following strategies can help you and your former spouse work through conflict when sharing parenting responsibilities.
Put your children first
While you may try and put your children first, this can be hard to do when trying to work with your ex. Before you engage in a conversation with your former spouse about your children, always think about what outcome would benefit your children the most.
Leave marital issues in the past
You may still feel angry, resentful or disappointed in your former spouse after you get divorced. But even if you are trying to work through these feelings, you should not let them affect the decisions you make about your children.
Clarify misunderstandings
While facing a conflict with your ex, you may make assumptions about him or her because you are likely familiar with how he or she typically reacts. Before making assumptions or making a hasty decision, ask for more information.
After you get divorced, it can take time to figure out how to co-parent effectively with your former spouse. Commit to making this arrangement work and try and be patient with your ex as you figure out this new parenting situation.
