Co-parenting can be challenging, and most divorced parents will disagree with each other at some point. It might be over a major issue or something minor.
However, in all cases, the right approach can improve matters for you and your children. Here are a few tips that may help.
Maintain respect
Maintaining respect for each other is crucial here, as this is your child’s parent you are dealing with. You owe it to your child to treat them with respect and it will also make co-parenting easier if you can maintain that respect for each other. However riled you might be about something your co-parent has done or said, you need to try to stay calm and not resort to insults or shouting.
Listen as much as you speak
You may be anxious to get your point of view across. However, speaking at each other is not the way forward. You both need to be prepared to listen properly to what the other is saying. It might not make sense to you, but try putting yourself in their shoes and see if you can understand why they might be expressing that view. Is it through fear, anger, a different upbringing or what?
Accept that you may need to compromise
You can’t have everything your own way in any relationship, and neither can the other person. If you are both willing to cede a little ground, it can help you end disputes and move on with life sooner.
If, despite following these tips, you are not making progress, remember you may have legal options available, such as asking the court to intervene. Getting legal guidance before you do that can make a big difference.