The end of a relationship that involves children is always a challenge. The adults need to focus on getting everything split up, but they can’t forget that they need to do what’s best for the children. Being able to be an effective parenting team has to be a priority when there are children involved.
The way that you and your ex work together matters when it comes to child custody. If you can start out working together for the good of the children, you’re setting a foundation for success throughout the rest of the child’s life.
Accept that compromises are a necessity
Child custody matters are always a give-and-take situation. Neither parent will get their way on every issue, so it’s best to find a middle ground that provides the child with the stability they need. That makes for a more productive co-parenting relationship, too.
Keep your focus firmly on your child’s needs
The expectations you set for all of the parenting plan terms must be realistic. Never try to do things just because it will make life harder for your ex or easier on you. Every decision you make must be based on what’s best for the children – not on what’s best for one parent or the other.
Learn to communicate calmly
You and your ex must be able to speak to each other calmly. It may help if you think of the conversations as a business negotiation so that you can keep your emotions at bay. If you find yourself getting upset while you’re working things out, it’s best to take a break to calm down some and then come back to address the issues.
When you’re splitting up, the parenting plan must be your priority. The sooner you get this handled, the sooner your children will be able to settle into their new way of life. In the future, you can always modify the plan if it doesn’t meet those needs any longer. Working with someone who can help you come up with suitable, and sometimes creative, child custody solutions is often beneficial.
