When a couple gets a divorce, it can be an extremely stressful and emotionally exhausting experience. This is magnified when there are children involved. While spouses may divorce one another, they do not divorce their children and so they must find ways to co-parent despite their differences. Despite the challenges, there are some steps every parent can take that will help smooth the way for a successfully co-parenting relationship.
An important tip to remember is that parents may have issues with one another, but these issues should not affect their children. It is important to project a unified front as parents and avoid any disparaging remarks about the other parent. Issues should be dealt with privately out of earshot of your children. It is far better for the welfare of your children for both parents to be supportive of one another and for each of you to encourage your child to build a relationship with the other.
While couples divorce for a variety of reasons, it is common for children to believe they are somehow at fault. Children, especially when they are young, are not able to grasp the complexities that accompany adult relationships and so they view them through the narrow terms of their own understanding. It is important for you to talk to your children and do your best to answer any questions they may have while keeping in mind they should not be privy to the details of the divorce. Let them know their parents still them and that the divorce is not their fault.
Finally, try your hardest to keep the lines of communication open between you and your former partner. Over the years, you will need to discuss your children and make decisions about their future together. It is imperative that you build a strong parental team with your ex to handle these matters and offer consistent guidance and discipline.
If you are about to get a divorce and have questions about child custody or visitation, consult the skilled Minnesota family law attorneys at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
