Co-parenting is not always easy, especially in the immediate days to weeks following your divorce. Many of the reasons you had for divorce, such as resentment, anger and sadness can bleed over into your relationship with your ex long after the ink has dried on your divorce decree. This can make co-parenting seem difficult, but it is not impossible as long as you avoid making these common co-parenting mistakes
Common co-parenting mistakes
You do not want to put your child in the middle between you and your ex. Your child is neither a messenger nor a mediator. Do not try to sway your child’s affections towards you and away from your ex. Do not interrogate your child about what your ex is doing. Any of these behaviors can make your child feel helpless and question their abilities.
You do not want to try to be the “fun” parent. Remember, you are your child’s parent, not their friend. You do not want your child to start resenting you or your ex. A united front is generally in the best interests of the child.
Similarly, stick to the house rules. You and your ex should agree on parenting topics such as bedtime, when homework is done and how much allowance your child should receive. Your child needs stability more than ever following your divorce.
Your child’s needs come first
Remember, if you share joint custody in Michigan you and your ex will be co-parenting together until your child is grown. This involves productive communication and a good deal of cooperation. Through effective co-parenting, you can raise your child in a way that helps them grow and thrive throughout their childhood and into adulthood.