4 New Years Resolutions for Co-Parents

Co-Parenting after a divorce can be a difficult thing. You've spent years with your former partner only to realize that your relationship won't be forever. You might not want to ever see this person again, but if you have children, this person will be in your life for many years to come. The labels "Wife" and "Husband" may no longer apply, but the labels "Mom" and "Dad" will never go away.

If you're a new co-parent, you should resolve to make 2009 as easy for your children as possible. If you've been a co-parent for a while, you should resolve to make 2009 the most cooperative year yet! Here's a list of resolutions to help you start the new year off right for yourself and your children.

1. Resolve to put your children's needs ahead of any problems you may be having with your former spouse. Your children love both parents and shouldn't have to worry about conflict between their mom and dad. They need to maintain a good relationship with both parents.

2. If your interaction with the other parent is contentious, resolve to limit your conversations with the other parent only to topics dealing with your children.

3. Try to better agree on rules to enforce while the children are in each parent's home. Avoid confusing the children.

4. Resolve to keep a connection to your children even when it's not your day to see them. Send emails, texts and instant messages. You don't want to be a visitor in your children's lives.

However, if your co-parenting plan isn't working out even though you're doing your best to make it work, give me a call and we'll see if there's anything we can do to help you out!