One of the most difficult aspects of divorce is finding the right type of custody arrangement that will work best for your family. Many Texas parents choose co-parenting plans, an option that allows the children to have equitable access to both parents. Two co-parents will also typically share responsibility for making important decisions for the children.
Co-parenting works well in many situations, but it can also be challenging. It requires communication between parents and a commitment to the best interests of the children above your own personal feelings. As you can imagine, this can be complicated for two people who recently went through a divorce. Thankfully, there are simple things you can consider and do to make co-parenting easier and more pleasant for every member of your family.
Don’t play games
Divorce is hard, and the painful feelings between two parents do not automatically disappear simply because the divorce process is final. Sometimes, parents will find themselves using their children to get back at each other and to communicate negative things. Above all else, this is harmful for a child. Using a kid as a messenger and/or as a pawn in a game between two adults can have lasting negative consequences and ultimately undermine the entire co-parenting arrangement.
Kids shouldn’t be advising adults
No matter how old and mature a child is, it is never prudent to turn to a kid for advice regarding how to parent or deal with an ex-spouse. Your child is likely struggling mentally and emotionally during the transition period that follows a divorce, and turning to him or her for support can place an unnecessary burden on the child. If you need emotional support, it is best to seek that from a trained mental-health care professional or another trusted adult.
Allow kids to love both parents
Kids thrive when allowed to maintain strong relationships with both parents after a divorce. This is why co-parenting is frequently a good choice for a family following a divorce. It is best for your kids to allow him or her the freedom to love the other parent and enjoy time with the other parent. When there is no sense of competition or choosing one over the other, kids will tend to thrive in your co-parenting arrangement.
Your parental rights
While you want to protect the best interests of your children, you also want to protect your parental rights as well. This is why it can be helpful to work with an experienced Board-certified Family Law attorney working in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Midland County, Ector County, and surrounding areas of Texas as you work on an appropriate and sustainable child custody plan during the divorce process.