Navigating Life's Journey Blog
Helping others navigate this journey of Life!
A weekly blog from the Family & Consumer Sciences Department
Co-parenting After Divorce: 6 Guiding Principles for Success
Accept what is
We must accept the end of the marriage before we can enter into a healthy co-parenting relationship.If you are still trying to figure out why or how the marriage ended, it will blur your ability to treat your ex in a loving way.Do not rush yourself through this important process.
Put the children first every day
Live with intention. Find a way to remind yourself that today you will put the children first and you will treat your co-parent with love and respect. Create a mantra and repeat it as needed. For example, " Model loving behavior" is a great mantra to repeat throughout the day.
Compliment your ex
When your children share a story with you about your ex, challenge yourself to compliment your ex’s parenting.There are so many opportunities to show your kids that you see good in their other parent .
Say sorry
If you mess up and talk down to or about your ex in front of the kids, do the right thing and apologize. The ego must be set aside when co-parenting. Set a good example for your children and ease any tension that may have been caused.
Keep some pre-divorce traditions
It's okay to still celebrate your children's birthdays together. It is a priceless gift to the birthday child. It also offers a full family tradition for their memory bank and it models loving behavior and well-placed priorities.
Learn from your mistakes
It is okay to mess up as a parent and an ex-spouse. It is an opportunity for growth. When you find yourself breaking one of you own personal co-parenting commandments, hold yourself accountable. Spend some time before bed, reviewing your behavior for the day.
