When couples are separating or divorcing the prospect of ongoing interaction with each other might be less than appealing. When couples have children, however, it is not only desirable but important and unavoidable. Children continue to need both parents in their life.
It is important for parents to find strategies to improve communication, facilitate parenting time and be able to take stock of both their own emotions and the feelings and reactions of others who are impacted by the separation or divorce.
Paying attention to the above issues can help ensure that the particulars of any parenting plan that is developed can meet the needs of the child. There are many different types of parenting plans that can be tailored to meet the unique challenges that each family is dealing with.
Bitter, lengthy disputes can have a negative impact on children’s wellbeing and sense of security. Some family professionals suggest that it may be easier to reduce conflict after separation and divorce if parents focus on separating their parental roles from conflict between the spouses. Maintaining a healthy relationship between parents
after separation and divorce may be easier if both work towards meeting common parenting goals. And having this support from both parents can help children face the challenges that come with separation and divorce.
Parents have a right to be kept informed about important decisions in a child’s life, even when the child doesn’t live with them. Unless a court decides not to allow it, either parent has a right to ask questions and get answers about matters concerning their child’s health, education and wellbeing.
Something to Talk About…
Here are just a few tips to help encourage an ongoing relationship after separation and divorce…
- Remember that both parents can provide children with positive role models for different aspects of their lives.
- It may be helpful to separate the other person’s role as spouse from that of parent in order to see the positive in the relationship.
- Remember that the child has a shared history with both parents and should be able to have a shared present and future with both.
- Provide meaningful opportunities for the other parent to stay involved in the child’s life.
- Find ways to minimize conflict and include the child in the parenting plan
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