As with many life events, change is inevitable during and after a divorce. For families with children, divorce can be especially stressful. Children may experience difficulties since their entire life is being turned upside down. Small things, like who will be there to tuck them in at night, can be a source of great stress and discomfort for children when regular patterns change suddenly. As a parent, there are certain things that you can do to help your children through this time of transition while also easing some of your own stress as you learn how to co-parent your children with your ex-spouse.
Follow Your Parenting Plan
One of the easiest ways to keep your co-parenting relationship positive is to obey the terms of your parenting plan. Before you can finalize your divorce, you will be required to file a parenting plan with the court that contains a variety of information about how you and your spouse will raise your children. If you both make it a point to follow your parenting plan, there will be less of a chance that a disagreement or fight will occur over something.
No Bad Mouthing Each Other
After a divorce, you may not be on the best of terms with your co-parent. You may not even ever want to talk to your co-parent again. However, if you and your spouse have minor children, you will have to be as amicable with one another as possible. Even if you are tempted, you should refrain from talking negatively about or bad-mouthing your ex-spouse, as it is unfair to your children.
Communicate With Your Co-Parent Effectively
You have likely heard that communication is extremely important in many different situations — co-parenting is one of them. You and your co-parent should have a good enough relationship that you can still respectfully communicate with one another about issues that are important and pertain to your children. If this means that you must put certain rules in place concerning your communication, such as only communicating through text or email, then you should do so.
Get Help From a DuPage County Divorce Attorney
Divorce is likely going to be one of the most stressful and challenging times in your life. If you are getting a divorce and you have children, you should discuss your situation with a skilled Wheaton, IL divorce lawyer. At the Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C., we can help you facilitate a cooperative and amicable environment during the divorce process, increasing your chances of an amicable post-divorce. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call our office today at 630-416-7004.
Sources:
https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/5-rules-make-parenting-separate-homes-easier