COMMUNICATION BASICS FOR CO-PARENTING
Research shows that children of divorced couples who follow co-parenting principles can develop emotional resilience and maintain healthy connections with both parents.
What is Co-Parenting? When divorced couples agree to share the responsibilities for raising their children and support each other’s efforts to do so, they are committing to the idea of co-parenting. Ensuring that children are provided opportunities to maintain a stable relationship with both parents is essential.
Healthy communication is the key to success as co-parents, and having a pre-established plan for sharing information about school, childcare, and health care seems to simplify life for all children and adults involved.
What are Co-Parenting Communication Basics?
- A.C.T. Communication should be accurate, complete, and timely. Parents should respect each other’s time and follow the plan the children are expecting. There can always be flexibility in plans, but last-minute changes are hard on everyone.
- The Golden Rule Communication should be as positive as possible. Both parents need to be committed to positive communication about the other. When this principle isn’t honored, children experience conflicted emotions and isolation.
- Focused Communication should be focused on sharing pertinent information about children’s needs and care. Avoid letting topics stray into emotional content.
- Calm Communication should be calm. Avoid demands, jumping to conclusions, and anger. This can be very difficult but is the key to sharing relevant information effectively.
- Courteous and Cooperative Communication should be courteous and cooperative. No sarcasm, no name-calling, no abusive language. This is the perfect time to model positive communication for children.
- Parents Only Communication about children’s needs should not include stepparents or significant others, unless both parents agree to this.
