Raising children and managing a family can be overwhelming at times, but when parenting duties are split between two households, chaos can ensue. Parents who share custody of their children not only have to coordinate their work and personal schedules with those of their children, but they must also factor in those of their co-parent. Though this can be a daunting task, success is possible.
Communication is Key
Communication between both parents and their children is essential to successful co-parenting. Parents that present a united front to their children and involve the children in decisions that are made concerning them often have the least stressful relationship. Weekly or monthly family meetings wherein both parents are present with the child to discuss schedules, concerns, and obligations can help the child realize that they are still a family unit. Working together toward compromise and sharing of commitments will help the families to function well, and help the child learn how to compromise and collaborate.
Teenagers may become particularly stressed when parents do not communicate effectively. A teen’s reactions may tend to escalate to anger and resentment, which can lead to negative behaviors. Teenagers may side with one parent over another, making compromise and collaboration between the parents more difficult. When one parent is more lenient than the other, or when one parent has more financial assets than the other, teenagers can use manipulation to undermine the other parent’s authority. Parents who work together and present a unified front can model appropriate compromise and negotiation skills.
Establish a Routine
All family members thrive with structure, so establishing routines and boundaries will result in a strong sense of security and accomplishment. Parents that support one another with disciplinary actions, educational expectations, and commit to parenting time agreements will be able to co-parent with the least amount of stress. In turn, children will better acclimate to their separate households and blended families.
Technology also offers parents a way to simplify their co-parenting responsibilities. Online calendars and scheduling apps allow parents and children to update any changes to schedules, notify each other of family concerns or questions, and keep medical records and personal contact information readily available. Parents need to model appropriate online behavior, keeping communication polite and respectful so that the children will do the same.
Stay Connected
Using technology to send pictures of children to each other will help the family stay connected and able to share experiences that one parent may otherwise miss. Sharing photos of family celebrations and traditions will enable the children to feel confident in their identity without fear of hurting the feelings of the other parent. The photos can also encourage positive conversations whereby co-parents are able to speak well of each other. Children that maintain healthy relationships with both parents tend to be more confident and secure as they grow into adults.
Towson Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Divorced Parents Establish Successful Co-Parenting Relationships
If you are facing issue with child custody and are not sure where to turn for help, the experienced team of Towson child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC can help. Our dedicated team helps parents develop child custody arrangements that lead to successful co-parenting.
Call us at 443-589-0150, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our offices are conveniently located in Hunt Valley, Pikesville, and Towson, Maryland and we serve clients in Baltimore County, Harford County, Carroll County, and Howard County as well as Towson, Essex, Columbia, and Bel Air.