Attorney Katherine Kraus

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in Peoria!!!

How to successfully co-parent

On Behalf of | Jul 8, 2021 | Children

Co-parenting is not always an easy journey, but it is a necessary one for the health and well-being of children involved in separations and divorces in Arizona. Knowing how to successfully co-parent with your soon-to-be former spouse is essential in order to minimize tension and stress while also providing yourself with peace of mind as you move onto this new chapter of your life.

Acknowledge your child’s emotions and feelings

Acknowledging and validating your child’s emotions and feelings while going through a separation or a divorce is essential. Ask your child how he or she feels, especially as you work through transitioning to a new lifestyle and as you navigate custody and visitation rights.

Create a schedule that works

When thinking about custody and visitation, you may find yourself fretting over splitting time exactly 50/50 between yourself and your ex. Ultimately, however, it is important to consider the quality of the time you are spending with your children versus the quantity of time. Providing quality time with each parent is imperative to prevent emotional and mental stress for your child.

Learn to improve communication with your ex

Communication is key, even when you are co-parenting with an ex. Review logistics of your schedules regularly, and plan for phone calls or in-person meetings to discuss the schedules, extracurricular activities, schooling, and even behaviors of your child together as you navigate co-parenting.

Coping with feelings of loneliness

Feeling lonely after a divorce and when sharing your kids with your ex is not always pleasant. Learn to cope with feelings of loneliness by spending time outside of the house, by diving into new hobbies, or even by getting back into the dating pool, depending on your personal outlook and future plans. You can also learn to carve out time for yourself when you do not have your kids, providing you peace and quiet and more opportunities to delve into new hobbies and crafts or adventures.

Understanding how to co-parent is not always an overnight task. However, once you begin the co-parenting process, you will learn just how beneficial it is not only for you and your ex but also for each of your children as you go through your transition into a new way of life together.

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