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Things attorneys wished their clients knew: Co-parenting Edition

If you struggle to agree on the ideal care arrangement, you can contact our team and one of our experts will help you set up the best arrangement for you and your family.

Here are three actionable steps that co-parents can take to improve communication with each other:

Practice active listening: When having a conversation with your co-parent, make sure you are actively listening to what they are saying. Avoid interrupting or speaking over them, and show that you understand their perspective by summarizing their points before responding.

Use "I" statements: When expressing your own thoughts and feelings, try to use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. For example, say "I feel frustrated when I don't receive timely updates about our child's schedule" instead of "You never tell me anything about our child's schedule."

Establish clear boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries and expectations for communication, especially if there is a history of conflict between co-parents. Consider setting up regular check-ins to discuss important issues, and agree on the best mode of communication (such as email, phone, or in-person meetings) for different types of discussions.

Remember, improving communication between co-parents takes time and effort from both parties. But by practicing active listening, using "I" statements, and establishing clear boundaries, you can create a more positive and productive co-parenting relationship for the benefit of your children.

If you are struggling to find the best way to communicate with your co-parent, you can contact us and one of our experts will assist you!

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As parents, we all want to make a positive difference in our children's lives. And one way to do that is by acting and speaking about our co-parent with respect and integrity.

Children are always watching and learning from us, even when we don't realize it. If we speak negatively about our co-parent or act in a way that undermines their authority, we are sending our children the message that it's okay to disrespect others and their decisions.

On the other hand, if we model respect and integrity in our words and actions towards our co-parent, we are teaching our children valuable life skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.

So let's make a conscious effort to speak positively about our co-parent, even when it's challenging. Let's show our children that we can disagree with someone and still treat them with kindness and respect.

By doing so, we can create a more peaceful and harmonious co-parenting relationship, and most importantly, make a positive difference in our children's lives.

Co-parenting can be challenging, but approaching it as a business project can help. Just like in a project, you don't always have to love your co-parent, but you can work together for the benefit of your child. Let's adopt this mindset and make co-parenting work!

Things attorneys wished their clients knew: Co-parenting edition.

As a parent, it's important to remember that you have a legal obligation to foster a positive relationship between your child and their other parent. If you engage in behaviours that alienate your child from the other parent, you could face legal consequences.

Parental alienation can take many forms, including speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child, limiting contact between the child and the other parent, or even blocking communication between them.

Remember, your child has a right to a positive and healthy relationship with both parents. If you're struggling to co-parent with your ex-partner, seek the help of a professional mediator or counsellor to work through your issues and create a parenting plan that benefits your child.

Co-parenting after a separation or divorce can be challenging, especially when there are lingering negative feelings between you and your ex. However, it's essential to remember that your actions and attitudes towards your co-parent can have a significant impact on your child's emotional well-being.

Here are some action items to help you model positive behaviour for your child when co-parenting:

1. Practice self-control and avoid reacting impulsively to your co-parent's behaviour or words. Instead, choose to respond calmly and respectfully.

2. Focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on past issues or disagreements with your co-parent.

3. Set boundaries and expectations for communication and behaviour with your co-parent, and stick to them consistently.

4. Avoid speaking negatively about your co-parent in front of your child or using your child as a messenger or mediator between you and your co-parent.

Remember, you can't control your ex's behaviour, but you can control your own. By modelling positive behaviour and attitudes towards your co-parent, you're setting a good example for your child and helping them feel secure and loved.

Co-parenting after a separation or divorce can be challenging, but it's important to focus on what you can control: your own actions and attitudes. By modeling positive behavior towards your co-parent, you're setting a good example for your children and helping them feel secure and loved. Remember, you have the power to choose how you respond to difficult situations, and your actions can make all the difference in creating a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Things attorneys wished their clients knew: Co-parenting edition

Splitting Up

Negotiating with your co-parent can be challenging, but it's important to find common ground and compromise for the benefit of your children. Here are some tips on negotiating with your co-parent:
✅Prepare ahead of time and know what you want to achieve.
✅Stay calm and focused on finding a solution.
✅Be willing to make concessions and compromises.
✅Look for win-win solutions that benefit both parties.
✅Consider mediation or a neutral third party to help facilitate negotiations.

Need some help? Splitting Up has a team of mediators that can help you.

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Things attorneys wished their clients knew: Co-parenting edition