After divorce, parents may work out a co-parenting plan. This can give each parent the right to oversee their children’s upbringing.
What you do once a co-parenting plan is made is often very important. Here are a few tips that could help you along the way:
1. Communicate often
Possibly the best thing you can do in a co-parenting plan is to communicate consistently with your co-parent. You may have the ability to do this in different ways, such as video calls, text, email and in-person, which you’ll likely do often. You can not only keep track of everything that’s going on in your child’s life but you’ll understand what your co-parent expects and needs from you.
2. Document everything
Even if you believe you have a strong and trusting relationship with your co-parent, you should consider documenting everything. There could be issues that evolve into legal battles. Having evidence on hand could help support your case.
3. Stay positive
Co-parenting is often hard to adjust to at first and there will be ups and downs as the years go on. You should consider staying positive. For example, you could have more personal time with your child, or you have more time for your hobbies.
4. Keep to a schedule
It may be important to show that you can keep to a parenting schedule. For starters, you can show your child that they can rely on you when they need you. Furthermore, a consistent schedule can create fewer issues with your co-parent who likely makes their own plans when your child is spending time with you.
5. Focus on your children’s growth
It’s easy to forget why you started co-parenting in the first place. Many parents believe that co-parenting is the best thing for their children’s development. When things get rough, you may need to remind yourself that this is the best thing for you and your child.
If you’re still working out the finer details of your child custody agreement, then you may need to learn about your legal options.