Parents who are going through a divorce can’t stop parenting their children just because their romantic relationship stopped. The emotions caused by the factors that ended the relationship can often cause stress, so it’s up to the adults to figure out how to reduce that stress so it doesn’t affect the children.
One of the first things to do is to get a parenting plan together. This is a written set of guidelines that both parents must follow as they raise their children. The more comprehensive this is, the less room there is for disagreements in the future.
1. Focus solely on the children
You and your ex must agree to focus solely on the children, which means you’ll have to leave the past behind. This won’t always be easy because your thoughts may return to the issues that led to the divorce. If things start to veer toward past relationship issues, try to redirect the conversation to the matters related to the children.
2. Remain calm when speaking to your ex
Always remain calm when you speak to your ex, even if the situation becomes tense. Allowing things to get heated can lead to a breakdown in the discussion. If you get upset while speaking to your ex, it may be best to take a timeout to calm down and gather your thoughts.
Working with someone who understands the circumstances surrounding your divorce may help you to get everything set up in a way that meets your child’s needs. Doing this as soon as possible enables you and your children to begin adjusting to the new way of life.