Today we continue our discussion about the challenges of being an active, smart and caring parent throughout the divorce process. When possible, engaging in healthy coparenting with your future ex will help guide your children through a potentially tough and confusing experience.
Part 1 of this post contains helpful advice and information. We touched on the difficult transition for a family from filing for divorce to getting the final court order dissolving the marriage. In this time of limbo, most parents are acutely aware of and focused on helping their kids get to the other side with minimal distress, sadness, fear or anger.
Ideas for coparents
Here are suggestions for parents to consider:
- Try to put aside negative or anxious feelings when communicating with the other parent. Keep it businesslike and focused on the children’s schedules and needs. Another option is to communicate using electronic means – email, text, apps developed specifically for coparenting. Keep family logistics as smooth as possible and present an optimistic and confident face to your children.
- Do not hesitate to consult a child specialist or mental health practitioner for advice or treatment for your children or for you. Professional support can go a long way toward easing distress and provide strategies for getting through this bewildering time.
- Refrain from badmouthing your spouse and respond appropriately if they speak poorly of your to the kids behind your back. Receiving this kind of commentary from a parent about the other parent can cause children distress, anxiety, confusion, anger or sadness.
Sometimes its not so simple
You can get help steering the ship through rough waters from a skilled Florida family lawyer. In particular, if your spouse has displayed behaviors of concern to the kids’ well-being like verbal, physical or sexual abuse; neglect; untreated addiction or mental illness; violence or criminal acts; or other, similar dangerous choices, your attorney can provide legal and practical advice for getting through the process with focus on child safety and protection.
Whatever your family challenges, keep the best interests of your kids foremost in your mind as you make decisions throughout divorce proceedings.
