Parents often get caught up in long battles over how they will split parenting now they are divorcing. Not only can this be incredibly damaging for the children involved, but it can also do a lot of harm to the adults themselves.
The following tips can help to make your negotiations easier and reduce the chance things get heated:
1. Accept that the other person probably has as much right to see the children as you do
You might not like a lot of things about your spouse right now, but that does not mean they deserve to be cut off from their child. Unless of course, they do because they abused them or some other serious matter.
Realizing that, in most cases, a court will look for a solution where you both maintain contact with your child is critical. The court will typically also give both of you the continued right to make legal decisions on your child’s behalf. Expecting anything different is unwise unless there really are extenuating circumstances.
2. Accept it’s usually better for your child to have you both around
Most children will want to spend time with both parents after a divorce. There is plenty of research to show that this is usually in their best interests, too. The continued presence of both parents can have a positive effect on many areas of their child’s life from education to behavior.
3. Realize that taking a conciliatory approach can help you both move on sooner
If you want to get your divorce over with as soon as possible, focus on working with your co-parent. Realizing that they are probably having just as miserable a time as you and demonstrating empathy toward them can encourage them to do the same back. It can help you both move onward and upward sooner.
Learning more about the different options available for custody and your divorce can help you make better choices at this difficult time.