5 Tips To Make Shared Parenting Work For Your Family

It is well known that divorce can be difficult for children. Although kids are adaptable, it may be challenging for them to adjust to their new life. Living in two homes, seeing each parent less frequently, and split parenting responsibilities can throw a child’s established routines into a frenzy.

There are, however, ways in which you and your former partner can help make this major life transition as smooth as possible for your children. In this blog post, we share 5 tips to make shared parenting work for your family so that your children can thrive during and after your divorce.

1. Create a Shared Parenting Plan That Works For Your Family:

‍A co-parenting plan can provide an opportunity for your kids to have quality time with each parent on a schedule that works for them. A shared parenting plan can be collaborative, allowing you and your family to work together to create a schedule that works for both parents and children.

A successful shared parenting plan should:

• Be detailed enough to address parenting decisions.
• Define the roles and responsibilities of each parent.
• Be flexible and realistic with room for changes. 
• Provide for mediation if the parents can't agree. 

2. Communicate with Your Ex-Partner:

‍Regardless of how your relationship ended, putting your differences aside and embracing dialogue for the sake of your children is crucial. Listen to your former partner and be open to their needs. In turn, ask for your voice to be heard and your needs to be acknowledged. Shutting down communication may help you avoid uncomfortable conversations, but it will be at the expense of your children’s relationships with both parents.

3. Communicate Your Plan With Your Children:

‍Although it may be difficult, speak to your children about your divorce and how it impacts them with the other parent present. Talking to your children as a united front can help alleviate some of the stress placed on your children during a divorce.

If you're not at a place with your ex that allows for shared conversations, do not speak poorly about them to your children. The goal is to prevent one parent from being seen as “the bad guy”, allowing for wounds to heal and the parent-child relationship to grow.

4. Listen to Your Children:

If you're looking for other ways to reduce the negative effects of divorce on your children, actively listening to their concerns can make a huge difference. Encourage your kids to communicate their needs and wants and to share their feelings without responding defensively or issuing judgment. 

5. Be Consistent with Scheduling:

‍The last thing your kids want during this already uncertain time in their lives is more abrupt changes. Try to be consistent with your parenting schedule, but if something needs to change, express that to your children as soon as possible. 

Get Help from a Cincinnati Child Custody Attorney Today

Separation and co-parenting can be significantly stressful. At Wagner & Bloch, we acknowledge that issues affecting your kids are of utmost importance. That is why we work with you and your spouse to resolve any disputes during the divorce so that you can move forward together as a united front. Contact us online or call us at (513) 751-4420 to schedule a consultation with our team today.