Co-parenting after divorce can be a challenge. You may worry your child is receiving different sets of expectations as he or she moves between one home and another. In addition, your child may begin to exhibit defiant behaviors as he or she adjusts to the new normal. Philly Family Life Counseling offers counseling services to help you navigate co-parenting and create a nurturing, supportive environment for your child.
3 Tips for Co-parenting as a Divorced Couple
These tips are geared toward families in which co-parenting has been deemed the best arrangement for the child. When one parent has been ruled emotionally or physically dangerous to the child resulting in lost custody privileges, these do not apply.
- Establish consistent parameters. Your homes do not need to have exactly the same rules, but it is helpful for you to maintain similar limits and behavioral standards. Consistent expectations will help children to feel a sense of stability and predictability as they transition between homes.
- Recognize when your child is stressed and provide emotional support. Children process emotions differently than adults, and often their behavior is the best barometer for how they’re feeling. Your child may be experiencing symptoms of grief, but expressing it through the avoidance of activities they used to enjoy, falling grades, trouble sleeping, or complaining about frequent stomach aches. Pay attention to new behaviors to help understand how your child is coping and support them accordingly.
- If possible, maintain a civil line of communication with your ex. Because custody arrangements can limit your contact with a child, open communication may be necessary for you to discern the full picture of your child’s well-being in school, activities, and with their friends. Furthermore, you and your spouse will need to work through disciplinary questions, such as if lost privileges in one home apply to the other home as well. These reasons and more make civil, open communication one of the essentials of successful co-parenting.
Receive Counseling for Effective Co-parenting in Northeast Philadelphia
If you are looking for guidance in your journey as co-parents, Philly Family Life Counseling is here for you. Schedule an appointment online or call (215) 677-3810 to reach our receptionist between the weekday hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00
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