Some divorces involve incredible acrimony on the part of both spouses. There are no blows too low, no arrows too sharp to sling. But these warring spouses who share children together need to keep in mind that after the dust settles, they will still need to co-parent the kids.
For your co-parenting to result in healthy, happy and emotionally stable children and young adults, it’s necessary to avoid a scorched-earth divorce. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Keep your interactions with your spouse civil
Neither of you may be able to pass a civil word between you during the throes of your contentious divorce. But there are other ways to communicate important information about your children. Texts and emails are a good way to do exchange information. There are also apps designed just for divorcing couples who share kids together.
2. Remember that children model parental behavior
Would you want your son or daughter as adults to settle their marital differences with screamed threats, curse words or thrown objects? Certainly not. Yet, if that is how they see you and your spouse fighting now, they will likely model those behaviors later in their own interpersonal relationships. No one wants that to happen. Knowing that can help you and your spouse model better behavior.
3. Recognize that you’re in it for the long haul with your co-parent
Even if you are parents of older teens, don’t believe that you will only have to deal with your former spouse for the next couple of years. There will always be events where both you and your ex will be present: college graduations, birthday celebrations, weddings are just some milestone events when the kids will want both of you present and civil. And once the grandkids start arriving, you will surely want to be involved in their lives as well.
We can help you achieve a good post-divorce co-parenting relationship
We have a good track record for helping divorcing couples find a more civil path to their split than all-out warfare. Let us help guide you onto the path of a successful divorce and a productive co-parenting relationship with your ex. Please continue viewing our website to learn more.