10 Ways To Co-Parent Successfully

10 Ways To Co-Parent Successfully. In most cases, the baby mama and baby daddy drama sadly is the order of the day when two parents are no longer together. For the sake of the children though, there has to be a perfect understanding between the two parties. A healthy, respectful co-parenting relationship is entirely possible with intention and patience.

1. Put The Kids First

Find a way to remind yourself that you will always put the children first and you will treat your co-parent with love and respect. If you want to do something, ask yourself how that will impact your children. Make sure that your children see you as an instrument of love.

2. Have Empathy

Co-parenting your kids with your ex is no easy feat. Practicing empathy, trying to put yourself in both your kids’ and their dad’s shoes will help you successfully navigate this situation. When your kids miss your partner, allow them to voice their feelings. Take into account that they love the little ones too, and act accordingly.

3. Learn To Compliment Your Ex

It can’t be easy to compliment someone you have differences with, but it is something we can learn to exercise. When your children share a story with you about your ex, challenge yourself to complement your ex’s parenting. There are so many opportunities to show your kids that you see good in their other parent.

4. Be Open And Flexible With Schedules

Kids suffer when their parents argue about visitation schedules in front of them. Even if you have a court-ordered parenting calendar, if your ex wants to take the kids to a ball game or watch a soccer match on TV on one of your days, put the kids first. Will they enjoy it? Then, let them go! One day, when they grow up, they will thank you for allowing them this freedom.

5. Pick Your Battles

It’s important to have common ground rules and values for the kids in both households. But it also stands to reason that each parent will deal with certain situations differently. Don’t expect your ex to do everything exactly the same way you do it. Even if you were still a couple, you’d have different parenting styles. And that’s OK. Kids thrive on those differences.

6. Admit Your Mistakes

If you mess up and talk down to or about your ex in front of the kids, do the right thing and apologize. The ego must be set aside when co-parenting. It does not matter who is at fault. The aim is to set a good example for your children and ease any tension that the previous argument may have caused their adolescent, yet complex minds.

7. Make Exchanges Short And Sweet

No matter where or when you exchange the kids, keep these moments short and sweet. Do your best not to cry or hang on to the little ones when they go off with your ex. Especially don’t drag it on giving your ex endless instructions. Say your goodbyes with a smile, so the children won’t feel guilty about leaving you by yourself.

8. Respect their time with Your Ex

If your kids only see dad during the weekends, don’t put a damper on their time together by calling them too often. Especially, don’t call when you know they may be having dinner or if it’s past their bedtime. If you miss them, call a friend to commiserate. Think of how you would feel if your ex insisted on calling your home at odd hours and made the kids feel bad about him.

9. Share Photos, Grades And Accomplishments

When your kids get their grades or are having a special moment with your ex is missing, take a picture and email it or text it to him. Tell them that you are doing it, so they know you are including their father in the parts of daily life that he may not be privy to. Ask him to do the same for you, but don’t nag him if he doesn’t. Remember, it’s all about the kids in the end.

10. Enjoy Your Time Off

One of the perks of being a single mom is that you will inevitably have time just for you. Take advantage of the days your kids are with dad to socialize, sign up to a drawing class, get a massage, or simply to watch movies, read books in bed or sleep in. Recharge your batteries so that when the kids come back they will find you at your best!