Tips to improve your co-parenting relationship

On Behalf of Claudio & Associates, Attorneys at Law

You might think that your child custody issues are over once you have an order specifying what legal and physical custody will look like and how visitation with the non-custodial parent will play out. But the truth of the matter is that child custody and visitation disputes arise all the time, primarily when co-parenting techniques fail.

Ways to build a stronger co-parenting relationship

As stressful as that can be, you can take steps to try to reduce the conflict in your co-parenting relationship, which could minimize the risk that you’ll find yourself in court battling over custody and visitation issues. Here are a few things you can consider in that regard:

• Refrain from talking negatively about your child’s other parent to the child
• Couch all conversations with the other parent in what is best for the child, thereby ensuring that all conversations are child-focused
• Don’t use your child as a messenger
• Try to remain professional in your tone and don’t come across as aggressive or accusatory if you can avoid doing so
• Listen to what your child’s other parent has to say
• Make requests instead of demands, thereby setting a more collaborative tone
• Try to maintain some consistency for your child between households
• Include your child’s other parent in all important decisions regarding the child
• Be respectful and willing to compromise on difficult issues

Successful co-parenting isn’t just about making life easier for you. It’s also about ensuring that your child gets the best from both parents. This can provide more emotional and mental stability, and better provide your child with a happy and healthy life. Therefore, we encourage you to try utilizing the tips mentioned above if you’re not already. If those don’t work or your child’s other parent is unwilling to cooperate, then you may need to consider alternatives, including legal action.

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