How to Create a Successful Parenting Plan with Your Ex
Divorce is tough for anyone, but it is especially tough on children.
While it may seem daunting to develop a plan for co-parenting with your ex, it is an important step to take for the well-being of your child.
Whether the relationship had a tough or friendly ending, it’s important to develop a successful parenting plan so that your child does not have additional issues on top of the divorce.
Here are a few tips to consider when developing that plan with your ex.
1. Consider Your Child’s Activities
While your routines need to be compatible with your parenting plan, your child’s activities must also be compatible. For example, pickups must be considered if your child has sports practices, and their school schedule must be accounted for.
If you’re looking to split time with your ex, both of you must be well aware of your child’s schedule and know where to pick them up and what they need to do. After all, your child’s needs must come first.
2. Involve Your Child in the Process
Though it may be impractical if you have a young child, teens or older children, they want their opinions heard. This is a decision that will directly impact them so you may want to consider involving them in the process.
Their involvement will only help you develop a smarter plan for everyone. If there’s anyone that knows what is most ideal for them, it is your children. They may provide some valuable insight as to their preferences during the process.
3. Choose a Good Communication Style
Communicating with your ex is always tough. Oftentimes, it can lead to fights or at the very least some passive aggressiveness. In order to avoid this, you may want to structure your communication style with your ex to avoid conflict.
One example of good structure is looking into a set schedule of communication. On top of that, you may want to consider having topics ready to discuss in advance so that the conversation doesn’t devolve into anger.
4. Be Open to Change
There are many reasons why a parenting plan can change over time. From differences in locations, to differences in your child’s life, to differences in the way your child grows, there are many aspects that may impact your plan.
For that reason, you’ll want to be ready to change or even completely re-examine your parenting plan. While this may seem like a stressful change to go through, it may be necessary and ultimately beneficial in the long run.
Don’t be afraid of change. Instead, meet it head on and come out better from it!
The Importance of a Parenting Plan
While working together with your ex may be the last thing you want to do, both of you will need to contribute to an ultimately successful parenting plan. Doing so will ensure the well-being of yourself, your ex, and most importantly, your child.
If you’re going through changes in your family life right now, from divorce to potentially adopting a child, be sure to connect with us for support during this process.