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Tips for building a stronger co-parenting relationship

On Behalf of | Sep 29, 2022 | Child Custody |

Figuring out how to raise your children with your ex-spouse or ex-partner can be a struggle. You and your child’s other parent may have different parenting philosophies, and you might each have different ideas about what’s best for your child. This can make effective co-parenting difficult. While that’s stressful for you, it can also be harmful to your child.

Ways to improve your co-parenting relationship

The good news is that there are steps that you can take to try to strengthen your co-parenting relationship with your child’s other parent. Those include:

  • Agreeing to a fixed schedule and adhering to it
  • Being as flexible with your child’s other parent as you’d want him or her to be flexible with you
  • Finding common ground on major issues like discipline methods, educational focuses, and even religious aspects of your child’s upbringing
  • Avoiding talking negatively about the other parent when you’re around your child
  • Being upfront about any desired changes and bringing them to the other parent’s attention before making them
  • Being respectful and professional when interacting with the other parent so that any existing negativity doesn’t impact your child
  • Trying to identify the other parent’s strengths and utilizing them to the benefit of your child

There are a lot of tools out there to help you build a stronger co-parenting relationship. Shared calendars are just one example. But keep in mind that every aspect of your co-parenting relationship should focus on protecting and supporting your child’s best interest.

What if co-parenting simply isn’t working out?

If you’ve tried to build a stronger co-parenting relationship and it’s still not working out, then you may need to address the matter in court. This might be in the form of a rule to show cause or a motion to modify custody and visitation. An attorney who is experienced in these matters can help guide you through that process if needed.