The safety and well-being of the children is a primary area of concern when parents in Tennessee divorce or separate. If possible, parents should work together to select a child custody arrangement that benefits the children. Many recent studies have found that children benefit the most from consistent involvement from both parents. This is why many parents today are choosing a co-parenting arrangement. Here are a few strategies to help parents succeed in co-parenting.
Set Emotions Aside
In order for a co-parenting arrangement to be successful, parents must place their own emotions aside. There may be anger or resentment lingering from the past relationship, especially if the split was less than amicable. However, remember that the children are the priority, and negative feelings toward the other party should always take a back seat.
Communication
Effective and consistent communication is at the core of any successful co-parenting arrangement. Understandably, communicating with an ex-spouse may be difficult. However, it can be helpful to think of the relationship with the other parent as a business partnership, where the business is the children’s well-being. Write or speak to the other parent as if they were a colleague.
Cooperation
Co-parenting is a team effort. There will be a myriad of decisions that parents will need to make together. Cooperating and communicating effectively without arguing will help to make co-parenting and child-rearing successful.
A co-parenting arrangement can only succeed when both parents are committed and participate equally. Parents in Tennessee who have questions about parenting arrangements or child custody could benefit by contacting a knowledgeable legal representative. An experienced family law attorney can answer difficult questions and help parents navigate confusing situations.