It can be a struggle for anyone, after a relationship has ended, to have an amicable parenting relationship with an ex-partner. Some families in California are not only making adjustments to parenting agreements and schedules, but to their attitudes as well. While child custody issues can be challenging, successful co-parenting is possible.
It begins with negotiated parenting agreements at the time of child custody settlements. Schedules, decision making, child support and other financial matters are in place with this agreement. At this time, parents should consider how they will communicate with each other regarding the children.
Allow children to express their worries about how their lives will change and explain how the transition from one home to the other will happen. Young ones will need comfort and reassurance that Santa Claus and the tooth fairy will know where to find them. Let them ask questions about where the family cat will live, and if they can still go trick-or-treating. They will want to know every detail of the co-parenting agreement, and how it will affect them.
A successful co-parenting relationship can be achieved by taking the time to show respect, praise and express gratitude. No two child custody cases are equal, and co-parenting is never easy. Even the best thought-out parenting agreements sometimes do not work. In California, when no agreement can be reached, or if one has questions or concerns about standing child custody arrangements, it may benefit them to contact an attorney proficient in handling these types of cases.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, “5 Tips for Successful Co-Parenting,” Leah Klungness, accessed on Jan. 15, 2018
