Learn to work with ex for kids’ sake

Divorce is never easy, and it’s sometimes hard to move on. When children are involved, it can be harder since your ex will continue to be in your life.

But parents from Louisiana throughout the U.S. must figure out ways to stay civil with their former partners as issues of child custody or child exchange will continue to arise throughout the years.

There are some ways to make it easier, however. Here are some tips:

1. Stay in touch frequently about the children. Doing so will help to keep small issues from growing into big ones. Schedule phone conversations or email chats to make plans for upcoming events of child visitation swaps.

2. Be flexible. Things happen that can throw off even the best-laid plans.

3. Keep your conversations businesslike, rather than personal. Remember you now are in the child-rearing business.

4. Don’t use the kids as carriers. If you have something to say to your ex, do it yourself.

5. If an issue of concern arises, deal with it promptly; don’t try to avoid it. Do so in private, away from the children.

6. If you anticipate the conversation to turn nasty, do it via text or email. That way you can think about your response and not say something that you will regret.

7. Let the other parent know right away if there is an issue at school or a potential medical problem. Also keep the parent in the loop about successes, such as awards at school, so that parent and child can discuss it.

8. Recognize that your ex will not parent the same way that you do and acknowledge that differing styles could be beneficial to your child.

9. Remember that your relationship with your ex is over. The only thing you must do is co-parent.

Source: Huffington Post, “Parenting After Divorce: 10 Ways To Make Talking To Your Ex About The Kids Less Stressful,” Dec. 20, 2012