When children are involved, the divorce process can be more complicated. But between the child custody rulings and visitation schedules, one priority is clear: the safety and happiness of your kids. If you’re planning to co-parent with your ex-spouse, take advantage of the following tips to ensure your goals are met.

3 Tips for Smarter Co-Parenting 

1. Maintain Open Communication 

While you might not be fond of chatting with your ex-spouse, it’s crucial to speak with them frequently about your children, as well as any personal news that might affect your kids. Whether through texting, emailing, calling, or meeting in-person, find a method of communication that works. Your child shouldn’t feel like they have to play messenger, so update your ex so they don’t have to. This is also crucial for agreeing on rules and boundaries, so they don’t have to adjust to different lifestyles between homes.

2. Be Positive

The only way your children will respect both of their parents is if they know their parents respect each other. With this in mind, avoid any negative talk about your ex-spouse in front of your children. If they attempt to gain favor by speaking disparagingly about their other parent, don’t join in. Instead, remain neutral to maintain a united front.

3. Embrace the Ordinary

After child custody arrangements have been decided, some parents take on different roles in their relationships with their children, either because they see them less frequently or are not as close. To bond with them or take their minds off the divorce, you may feel the need to provide constant entertainment. While your intentions are good, your children may expect this every time they visit and not take you seriously as an authoritative figure or guardian. To combat this, keep everything as ordinary as possible. Your children will appreciate the sense of structure and normalcy, and they won’t feel like you’re trying to distract them from or make up for the divorce.

Looking for a child custody attorney that understands your interest in successful co-parenting? Get in touch with Payne Law Office in Lincoln, NE. Led by Stephanie Payne, this team knows how complex the divorce process can be and that your children are the main focus. To learn more about their experience with child custody law, call (402) 477-7246.