It’s essential that co-parents find a way to communicate. This is not always easy, as relationships can be messy after a divorce. But if they’re going to be co-parenting and working together to raise their child, this communication is still necessary.
If you’re worried that it will be hard to make this go smoothly, here are a few key tips to keep in mind.
Set boundaries
First of all, talk to your co-parent about your boundaries. What types of topics are off-limits? How often do you want to talk? For example, some people will schedule a regular weekly phone call. They don’t want to have contact with their ex every day, but they set up a specific time when they’ll talk about their child and his or her needs.
Leave emotions out of it
Often, these conversations are hard because they become emotional. It’s best to avoid communication if you’re feeling highly emotional – or if your ex is – as this can increase the odds of an argument or a dispute. Try to focus on your children and the facts, rather than your ex and your emotions.
Utilize technology
Finally, if the communication is still strained, it may be best to use technology to create some distance. For instance, some people struggle to have in-person conversations, so they may prefer to talk on the phone. For others, even communicating on the phone may be difficult, and they would prefer to communicate by text or through email messages. There’s no right or wrong answer, but you need to find the solution that works for you.
One of the best things you can do is to set up a co-parenting plan during your divorce, so be sure you know what steps to take.