3 Tips For Successful Co-Parenting After an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on June 13, 2018 in Child Custody

A new and increasingly popular trend for child custody arrangements after a divorce is co-parenting, in which both the mother and father play an active role in their child’s life, even though they are no longer together. This ensures that children can still have close relationships with both of their parents after divorce. Joint custody arrangements can be exhausting and riddled with stress, but co-parenting arrangements can benefit children greatly. These tips can help you become a great co-parent after divorce:

Aim For Consistency

Divorce can affect children just as much as it affects adults. Now that both parents are not around at the same time, and the child may be moving from household to household, consistency is key for raising your children. You should try to maintain the same rules, expectations, disciplines, and schedules in both parents’ homes to avoid confusion. Rules about homework, curfews, and things the child is and is not allowed to do should be kept the same, along with the consequences for breaking those rules.

Plan Ahead For New Significant Others

Many divorced couples do not stay single forever. Parents are likely to eventually have a new significant other, which can be difficult for your child if they are not used to the idea of you being with someone other than your ex-spouse. Some parents can be particular when it comes to new significant others, so it is in your and your child’s best interests to plan out the ground rules for introducing significant others into your children’s lives when you create your parenting plan.

Put Your Children’s Needs Before Your Own

Arguably, the most important thing to remember when co-parenting after a divorce is that your child’s needs are more important than your own. Divorce can bring about feelings of anger, hurt, or resentment, which is not uncommon, but those feelings about your ex can be emotionally damaging to your child. If you are feeling hurt or angry, you should never vent to your kids. Friends or therapists are a much better alternative to let out some of your steam. You should also never put your children in the middle of your disagreements with your ex. If you feel the need to discuss things, you should do so directly with your ex, out of earshot of your child.

Contact a Schaumburg Child Custody Attorney

Whether you are currently going through a divorce and need to create a parenting plan or have already gone through a divorce and need to modify your existing parenting agreement, you can use the help of an experienced and knowledgeable Rolling Meadows divorce lawyer. Contact A. Traub & Associates to discuss your specific situation and figure out your best options for your family. Call our office at 630-426-0196 to schedule an initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/co-parenting-after-divorce/201411/what-makes-successful-co-parenting-after-divorce

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/co-parenting-tips-for-divorced-parents.htm

http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/illinois/co-parenting-after-a-divorce-tips-from-a-mediator-3015.shtml