After a divorce, parents need to work together to keep their children happy and healthy. Luckily, when following these five tips, one can co-parent after a divorce with ease.
Transition: When going through the process, the parents should try to have a smooth transition. Meaning, the parents should sit down together and discuss the situation with the child or children. When speaking with the children, both parents should field any questions to make sure that they understand the process. When starting the transition off this way, adults can help their children understand that they are not the problem.
Bite tongue: Sadly, many parents will badmouth the other spouse in front of the kids. While tempting, this can and will cause serious problems in the future. Instead, a parent should badmouth their spouse when around coworkers and friends. One must remember that young people are impressionable, and they will form a negative opinion when they hear gossip about their mother or father.
Don’t use the child: Some parents use their kids as a pawn. This is a serious mistake that can scar the child for life. Instead, parents should communicate like adults and have conversations without children. Nothing is worse than sending an unprepared kid to the other spouse only to see problems arise. Of course, after a few years, a child can be an intermediate as they age and accept the divorce and get along with both parents.
Encourage: Kids should not run into any issues when trying to speak or otherwise communicate with another parent. Sadly, some parents will do everything they can in trying to prevent their child from speaking with the other parent. When this happens, a child will suffer emotional problems and will eventually come to hold it against the other parent. Remember, a child should never have a problem contacting his or her mother or father to ask questions or just to talk about their day in school.
Fighting: Often, parents will meet in a parking lot or other public place to make the exchange. During this process, often, a father or mother will start berating the other parent in front of the children. When yelling and screaming in public, a child will feel embarrassed and will have their weekend ruined.
A divorce is a traumatic event for kids and adults alike. As a parent, you need to understand the effect a divorce will have on your kids and you need to help your kids work through their emotions to avoid any serious emotional scarring or damage.
This article was provided by the Cantor Law Group of Phoenix, AZ. The Cantor Law Group handles all aspects of Family Law including Divorce, Child Custody, Child and Spousal Support, Adoption, and other family law related matters.