What not to do as a co-parent?

What not to do as a co-parent?

As a co-parent there are a number of things that you should try and avoid doing so that you don’t cause problems with your ex-partner and create an unpleasant environment for your child.

Co-parenting after a split can be challenging, but it's crucial to prioritise your child's well-being above all else. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when navigating co-parenting:

1. Don’t be unkind about your ex-partner: Regardless of your feelings towards your former partner, avoid speaking negatively about them in front of your child. Criticising your ex-partner can cause emotional distress for your child and may affect their relationship with both parents. Your child may start to disconnect from you both so as to distance themselves from negativity. They also start to resent you or even be drawn to the other parent who may not be criticising you. 

2. Don’t run from your responsibilities: Sharing parenting responsibilities may include financial support and parental care. Ensure you pay your share of maintenance to cover your child's essentials like food and clothing. Failure to do so may reflect negatively on your commitment to your child's well-being. Make sure you also adhere to the terms laid out in any court orders like a child arrangement order. If you do not follow the terms correctly you may get in trouble for breaching them. 

Consistency is key for children. Stick to scheduled visitations to provide stability and security for your child. Being unreliable may indicate a lack of interest in your child or their wellbeing.

3. Don’t be restrictive: Be open to compromise and flexible with visitation arrangements. Prioritise your child's happiness and security over personal grievances with your ex-partner.

4. Don’t lose your temper: Being angry and annoyed won't benefit anyone, especially in court. For instance, if you have been asked to attend mediation sessions to come to amicable agreements, then go with an open mind. Stay calm and composed, seeking professional help if necessary, to ensure a positive environment for your child.

5. Don’t ignore advice from your solicitor: Trust the expertise of legal professionals about child arrangements, co-parenting or separation depending on your situation. Listen to their advice and make decisions based on reason rather than emotion.

Communicating effectively

Effective co-parenting all comes down to communication. As parents, it's crucial to work together to ensure your child's happiness and security. Look for opportunities to celebrate your child's successes and happy moments, fostering a positive co-parenting relationship. Even in difficult situations, maintain a positive and respectful tone in your communication, focusing on what's best for your child.

Separate child-related communication from other issues like finances or property to maintain clarity and prevent unrelated issues from affecting your co-parenting relationship. Choose the right communication method, such as face-to-face conversations or phone calls, to ensure clear communication and minimise misunderstandings. 

Establish regular meetings to discuss your child's well-being and address important matters, and handle disagreements constructively by prioritising your child's best interests. If communication becomes challenging, consider seeking mediation to facilitate positive dialogue and resolution of conflicts. Remember, effective communication between co-parents is vital for creating a supportive and nurturing environment for your child, ensuring a positive future for your family.

How Can GloverPriest Help?

At GloverPriest, we provide friendly and transparent family law advice. If you would like further help on child arrangements or divorce, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our expert family lawyers today. Complete our enquiry form.

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