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How can you effectively co-parent with your ex?

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2022 | Blog, Child Custody

When you got divorced, you and your ex may have decided to share custody of your children. You likely did this so that both you and your ex could maximize the time you have with your children.

Although, according to the Institute for Family Studies, the divorce rate in the U.S. hit a 50-year low in 2019, many parents still get divorced and must learn how to co-parent with their ex. If you want to solidify a strong co-parenting relationship with your ex, the following strategies may help.

Establish similar rules at both houses

Children thrive off of stability, so establish rules and expectations for your children that are similar at both your house and your ex’s house. These rules should cover things like bedtime, discipline, screen time and other routines.

Communicate regularly

Staying on the same page as your ex while you try and co-parent your children is essential. Set up a regular time or method of communicating with your ex that works for both of you. For example, you may want to schedule a weekly phone appointment with your ex to talk about your children.

Avoid venting to your children

Learning how to co-parent with your ex may be a frustrating experience. Even still, do not vent these feelings of frustration to your children and wait to release them until you can talk to a friend, family member or therapist.

It can take time for both you and your children to get used to a new co-parenting arrangement. Try and be patient with your children and your ex as you establish new routines and acclimate to this new way of parenting.