4 Co-Parenting Tips to Follow After Your Illinois Divorce

 Posted on October 02, 2019 in Divorce

Parenting a child is rarely easy, especially if you are now a single parent. Though co-parenting can be extremely beneficial for the children, it does present many challenges for parents. Some divorced couples can call it quits and never have to speak to each other again. However, as a parent, you will always be attached to your ex-spouse because of your children. Co-parenting can be difficult, because you may still have feelings of anger or sadness toward your spouse, but you still have to work with them in order to be the parents your children deserve. Here are a few tips that can help you be the best co-parent you can after your Illinois divorce:

Do Not Put Your Kids in the Middle of You and Your Ex’s Problems

In many cases, divorce is not a mutual decision. This can breed feelings of resentment or anger toward your ex-spouse, which can be difficult to control. However, it is important to remember that your issues with your ex are not your child’s issues, and it is not fair of you to put your children between the two of you. Never use your children to convey messages to the other parent, and never confide in your children about the issues between you and your ex-spouse.

Learn How to Communicate Effectively With Your Ex

For co-parenting to work, there has to be a certain level of communication between the two of you, and the communication must also be effective. This means you have to keep in consistent contact with your ex-spouse. In many cases, it is best to set a businesslike tone with them. You and your ex are no longer in a married relationship, and your “business” is to make sure your children are taken care of and loved. 

Be Consistent With Your Children

Children are flexible, and they can typically adapt to situations pretty quickly, but it can sometimes be difficult for them to adjust to a large number of changes all at once. The best way to help your children cope with these changes is to be as consistent as possible with them. This may mean getting your ex on the same page as you when it comes to routines and rules at home. 

Make Transitions Easier on Your Children

For many children, transitions between two households can be difficult. Try to help your child adjust to these transitions by reminding them a few days in advance that the transition is coming up and helping them pack or prepare for the change. In many cases, it is beneficial for one parent to drop off the child at the other parent’s house rather than picking them up, so as to not make the child feel like they are being taken away from their parent.

Contact a Will County Family Law Attorney For Legal Help

When it comes to divorce, issues involving your children must be settled before you can finalize everything. You and your spouse must agree to a parenting plan that outlines how time will be spent with each parent and how parenting responsibilities will be handled. A solid parenting plan can be the key to making everyone’s lives easier when working together to co-parent your child. At Wakenight & Associates, P.C., we can help you and your ex-spouse set yourselves up for success in co-parenting. Call our skilled Mokena divorce lawyers today at 815-727-6144 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/co-parenting-tips-for-divorced-parents.htm

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/co-parenting-after-divorce/201411/what-makes-successful-co-parenting-after-divorce