Co-Parenting? Here are some tips.

Co-parenting both during and after divorce can be tough stuff. But in divorces that do not have significant domestic violence and abuse, substance abuse, or dangerous mental illnesses, co-parenting is the way divorced parents operate. It may get easier to manage over time, but there are always times that present more challenges and conflict than others, and school breaks are definitely one of those times. Ultimately, the divorce changes when and how you can spend time with your children, often greatly reducing that time, and that enormous life change is difficult for loving, involved parents. To help process this, take a moment to read Co-parenting and Joint Custody Tips for Divorced Parents from Help Guide.

A good divorce decree should clearly spell out how holidays and breaks are supposed to work, but before that decree is in place, those details need to be worked through by the parents (often with assistance from their lawyers). Even when you have a good decree, life can happen that presents challenges to plans, and co-parents need to pivot. Since this is the month of spring break, I thought I’d share this great spring break survival guide from Parently. And since we’re still contending with COVID, here are some great spring break ideas that can be done at home or some creative outdoor activities kids might enjoy in Phoenix. These are also wonderful, local options for parents whose plans include ‘splitting’ the break.

Is co-parenting tough? You bet. Is your ex still a selfish idiot who relishes making your life difficult? Possibly. Ultimately, however, it offers health and stability to your kids during what, for them, has been an overwhelming change in their young lives. Kudos to you for keeping that thought front-and-center as you continue to try and work cooperatively with the other parent.