Going through a divorce can be difficult for all involved, particularly children who may not understand the nuances of what is going on. This is why it is important for parents to co-parent to the best of their ability, barring circumstances such as an abusive relationship or an unfit parent.
Here are three ways that parents in Illinois can co-parent effectively after a divorce.
1. Put the children first
Relationship issues are deeply personal and can take a lot out of someone mentally and emotionally. However, it is necessary that parents put their own issues aside to the best of their ability and do what is best for the children, even when that means the parents must communicate when they would rather not do so.
2. Aim to compromise
Compromises during co-parenting often occur when each former spouse has a different parenting style. For instance, one parent may be more strict than the other and not allow the kids to watch television during the week, while the other parent may be more lenient. It is better for the kids to have more consistency so, for example, the parents can compromise and allow only limited television on weekdays.
3. Keep personal feelings away from the children
It is also a good idea to not bad mouth the other parent in front of the kids. It is normal to want to vent about a former spouse, but vent to another close adult family member or a professional, rather than the children.
Co-parenting after a divorce can be difficult, but fortunately, there are some things people can do to make it easier.
