I seem to be blogging a lot lately about co-parenting issues. In a search today on google for co-parenting communication ideas, I came across a blog titled Dad’s House: Dating & Parenting by a Single Dad. David Mott recently posted Co-Parenting – How to Deal with an Ex. As a single dad who has been co-parenting his children with his ex for nine years, David offers tips on co-parenting. They are basic rules of engagement that should be followed in any co-parenting relationship, and are the rules that are offered throughout the blogosphere and by parenting experts across the country. David lists the following rules:
Do what’s in the best interest of your kids
Don’t talk down to each other
Do treat the co-parenting as a business relationship Don’t fight in front of the kids
Do use email
Don’t badmouth the other parent in front of the kids .
Do communicate
Arguments, fights, blow-ups and disagreements will happen in every relationship, especially parents who have split up. (probably for good reason). However, if both parents can follow the rules of engagement, maintain a business like tone and keep lines of communication open, your kids will be healthier and happier for it. In the end, David reminds, focus on co-parenting and practice the basics.
If you would like more information regarding basic co-parenting concepts and rules, single mommy and daddy blogs abound with similar tips. Jennifer Wolf gives similar advice in planning coparenting meetings at Tips for Succesful Co-Parenting Meetings. Aside from blogs, check out the Co-Parenting Surivival Guide: Letting Go of Conflict After a Difficult Divorce by Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeffrey Zimmerman, the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension’s Co-Parenting After Divorce.