6. Being Civil
The power of civility goes unnoticed in many relationships, but when you’re co-parenting, both parents must try to be civil. Interactions should be calm and respectful, especially when in front of children. If this is difficult, it might be helpful to remember that you’re setting a positive example and emulating what a healthy relationship looks like.
7. Treating Each Other with Respect
When parents show each other respect, appreciate each other’s efforts, and value one another’s opinions, it ultimately benefits the children. Respect is a fundamental part of having a healthy co-parenting relationship—it helps you work as a unified front.
8. Keeping Your Child Out of Conflicts
Don’t allow your children to be caught in the middle of parental conflicts. Shelter them from disputes and disagreements, and never use them as a messenger between parents. Your job as co-parents is to protect your children’s emotional well-being. Do whatever it takes to resolve differences privately so you can show a united front in your children’s lives.
9. Refraining from Bad-Mouthing Each Other
Speaking poorly about the other parent to or in front of children is never OK. Research shows that parental alienation is profoundly damaging to a child’s mental health later in life. Refrain from these inappropriate co-parenting behaviors and address them immediately if your ex is doing this in front of your child. Focus on fostering a positive environment and adopt the old ideology: if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Encouraging a healthy relationship between children and parents promotes emotional well-being and allows you to maintain a happy home life.
10. Being Honest
Honesty is essential in building and maintaining trust between co-parents. It helps both people feel secure in the relationship and ensures they feel like they can trust and rely on one another.
Be upfront and honest about issues related to the children, such as:
- Schedules
- Changes in circumstances
- Social concerns
- School issues
- Financial issues
- Emotional and physical well-being
11. Following the Custody Order
If you have an official custody order in place, be sure to follow it as directed. This gives children and parents legal and emotional stability. For younger kids, it helps them understand their future regarding visitations and their living situation.
12. Setting Expectations About New Partners
Just because you’re co-parenting doesn’t mean you have to be alone forever. Eventually, one or both of you will likely be ready to move on to a new relationship. Introducing new partners into the dynamic is easier if you’re sensitive to all parties and have clear communication and healthy co-parenting boundaries already established. Setting expectations about how and when new partners should be introduced can help children (and a former partner) transition more smoothly.
Building a Strong Co-Parenting Partnership
Co-parenting might not always be easy, but effective boundaries can help. Boundaries let you create a harmonious and supportive partnership, so you can put the children first and make sure both parents feel comfortable and at peace with the arrangement. Respecting each other’s approach to parenting, maintaining consistency across households, sticking to the agreed-upon parenting plan, and establishing clear communication patterns will strengthen the co-parenting relationship.
