You and your partner married because you were in love and wanted to spend your lives together. Divorce may mean that that dream is over, but it does not have to mean that you can’t be good co-parents.
We’ve compiled a list of the best parenting tips for divorcing parents from the people who see divorcing parents often.
Let’s look at how to create the best co-parenting relationship with tips from a divorce lawyer in Fairfax.
10 Tips for Divorcing Parents
1. Don’t encourage your children to take sides.
2. Don’t argue with your former spouse in front of your children. This causes emotional turmoil for children. Save it for a time when your children aren’t present or consider letting it go.
3. Work out the details of your new co-parenting relationship. Your children need to know that their parents can be civil and supportive despite their divorce. Negotiating the terms of a co-parenting agreement is a frequent task of a divorce lawyer in Fairfax.
4. Don’t insult or talk badly about your ex in front of your children. Children may take these insults personally. When possible, attempt to point out your ex’s good traits to your children.
5. Do provide a united front when it comes to daily rules regarding bed time, homework, screen time, etc. This will mitigate the disruptions caused by having two homes.
6. Consider family therapy if you and your ex have trouble agreeing on how to best parent your children. Therapists manage troubling family dynamics and teach healthy conflict resolution and coping mechanisms.
7. Don’t disparage your ex’s parents or other family members. Just like with badmouthing your ex, children who love these family members will feel at odds. You don’t want your children to feel like they must choose between you and beloved grandparents, aunts, or uncles.
8. Do let your children know they are not responsible for the divorce. Many children feel that their behavior or presence may have caused the divorce, even if that seems absurd to you. Reassure them that they are still loved and not the reason why their parents split.
9. Constantly remind your children that both parents love them and will continue to support them.
10. Let your children know that in spite of divorce, they still have a bright future ahead of them. Maintain reasonable expectations and continue to set goals with them.
Need a Divorce Lawyer in Fairfax?
If you’re going through a divorce or considering one, choose a law firm that specializes in prioritizing the health of your family. Our philosophy is that clients are entitled to dignity, trust and support by their attorneys during this difficult stage of life. For more information, click here or call 703.934.1480 to schedule an initial consultation.