Children whose parents are going through a divorce will likely worry about what the future holds. Some are concerned that they caused the divorce. Others might think that they’ll have to deal with their parents missing a lot of their events.
As a parent, it’s your job to ensure that your children have what they need during this time. It helps if you and your co-parent can work together to ensure you’re putting the kids first. Co-parenting enables both parents to have a say in the matters related to the children, but this will take work from both parents. Let’s look at a few key ways to do this.
Talk to the kids together
If possible, discuss the divorce with the children as a team. This is an opportunity for them to see that both parents are committed to being there for as much as possible for them. It’s also a chance for them to ask questions. Just be sure that you provide realistic answers in an age-appropriate manner.
Communicate with respect
You and your co-parent have to be able to talk about anything related to the children. Even when things get heated, you and your ex must be able to stay calm. For some parents, having conflict resolution methods covered in the parenting plan helps them to stay on track when there are disagreements.
Working out a parenting plan quickly after the split can mean that the children have more stability that enables them to thrive. Parents who can compromise early in the divorce may find that they set a solid foundation for their parenting relationship in the future.
