Once you obtain an order on child custody and visitation, you might breathe a sigh of relief, thinking that you can put the matter behind you. But the truth is that an initial order on custody and visitation is just the beginning of what could be a long co-parenting relationship. This relationship can quickly become strained, making sharing time with your child even more difficult than it already is.
Building a stronger co-parenting relationship
But you don’t have to dread talking to your child’s other parent. Instead, you can proactively work to build a stronger co-parenting relationship with your child’s other parent. Here are a few ways to do so:
- Keep communications kid-centered by redirecting all conversations to what supports your child’s best interests.
- Never attack your child’s other parent while in the child’s presence, as doing so could breed resentment.
- Be respectful at all times, even if your child’s other parent seems petty.
- Keep a professional tone, especially when you make requests.
- Try to find common ground to provide your child with some consistency and routine between two households.
- Find another outlet for your emotions before you talk to your child’s other parent, as doing so can release stress and tension.
- Maintain communication on all relevant issues pertaining to your child.
- Be willing to compromise.
Take the steps necessary to protect your child’s best interests
Although you should diligently work to build a strong co-parenting relationship with your child’s other parent, we realize that this isn’t always possible. And in some cases, mere interactions with your child’s other parent can be detrimental to your child’s wellbeing. In these instances, you should be prepared to take legal action, as doing so may be the only way to protect your child’s best interests. If you’d like to learn more about what you can do to better address your co-parenting issues, then now may be the time to speak with an experienced family law attorney.
