Co-parenting after a divorce in Alabama
Co-parenting refers to a parenting situation where two or more adults work together to raise a child even though they are not necessarily the biological parents, living together or in a romantic relationship. Co-parenting after a divorce is rarely easy, especially if you have a contentious relationship with your ex-partner. You may be concerned about your ex’s parenting abilities, stressed about child support or other financial issues, feel worn down by conflict, or think you’ll never be able to overcome all the resentments in your relationship. But co-parenting amicably with your ex can give your children the stability, security, and close relationships with both parents they need. For the sake of your kids’ well-being, it is possible for you to overcome co-parenting challenges and develop a cordial working relationship with your ex.
The Huffington Post offers the following tips for achieving a successful co-parenting relationship:
Respect co-parenting boundaries. Your ex’s parenting style is likely different than yours and may have some conflicting rules. Try not to stress over these conflicts, unless they are major inconsistencies. Ultimately, try to be flexible.
Maintain regular communication. Parenting cannot be one-sided. If you are committed to developing a successful co-parenting plan, you need to routinely check in with your former partner so that you are both updated regarding your child’s life.
Encourage your child’s relationship with their parent. Your child deserves a healthy relationship with both parents. Don’t put your ex-partner down to your child and, if possible, try to help develop a strong bond between them. Even if you don’t want a close connection to your ex anymore, a strong parental bond is what will help your child grow up well-adjusted.
Don’t alienate your in-laws. Grandparents are an important part of a child’s life and your in-laws’ love for their grandchildren does not stop after divorce. Do not punish your children, or your in-laws, for what went wrong in your marriage.
Developing a positive co-parenting relationship is an important part of the moving forward. With these tips, you can remain calm, stay consistent, and resolve conflicts to make joint custody work and enable your kids to thrive.
If you are a parent considering divorce or child custody in Alabama, Nika Gholston Law LLC can help you obtain a divorce settlement that creates a positive future for you and your children. Call us today for a consultation at (334) 557-7011.