Even amicable divorces create stress and strong emotions that are especially difficult for children to experience and process. Effective co-parenting helps your children feel secured and loved, and it allows both you and your spouse to develop your relationship with your children.
According to USA Today, there are co-parenting strategies that help you and your ex-spouse prioritize and support your children’s well-being throughout the divorce and afterward.
Focusing on routine
USA Today states that most children thrive on routine. You and your ex-spouse may work together to establish and follow a routine that provides consistency for your children when they are with either of you. For example, you may agree on a bedtime, a homework schedule and a set of consequences for disobedient behavior. Having a clear routine may help children avoid feeling unsure or stressed when visiting either parent.
Providing reassurance
It is common for children to blame themselves for divorce, so it is vital for both parents to reassure the children that the divorce was not related to their existence or behavior. USA Today states that it is good to listen to your children’s questions and answer them honestly without providing too many details. You may need to frequently remind your children that the end of the marriage does not affect how much you and your ex-spouse love them.
Creating memories
Like routines, positive memories may help children feel secure. You and your ex-spouse may work together to ensure each of you gets the chance to participate in special activities and holiday traditions. If possible, create a schedule that allows both of you to experience vacations, birthday celebrations and extracurricular activities with your children.
