Navigating the co-parenting dynamic after a divorce can be a difficult challenge. You and your co-parent each have your own lives and priorities to consider as you attempt to build a functional parenting plan, but the most important factor to consider is your children’s happiness.
Any co-parenting schedule might seem perfect when all the pieces slot perfectly into place, but this should never come at the expense of your kids’ well-being. By keeping a few helpful tips in mind, you can achieve a dynamic that is healthy for everyone in your family.
1. Use apps to help with scheduling
Smartphones and apps are part of everyday life, so it stands to reason that they can help you and your co-parent communicate and collaborate effectively. Experts recommend co-parenting apps with features such as shared calendars and secure messaging to help you stay on top of your schedule.
2. Compromise wherever possible
Consistency is key when creating a parenting plan, but true consistency is only possible when both sides are willing to compromise. By accommodating your co-parent’s needs and wants wherever possible, you can build a schedule that works month after month.
3. Involve your children in the planning
If your children are old enough to understand the circumstances around your relationship with your co-parent, then they might also be mature enough to voice their own opinions. The best way to ensure your kids’ emotional well-being is by acknowledging the validity of their input and doing what you can to incorporate it.
A successful co-parenting plan is one that you can consistently maintain while also preserving a healthy relationship with your ex-spouse. Above all else, though, your schedule should preserve the emotional and mental health of your children in a time that can be traumatic for young kids.