Fights and arguments can drain you and leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially when the person you are fighting with is your ex-spouse.
Finding ways to reduce conflict over co-parenting decisions is important for both you and your children’s mental health.
Stay respectful
According to Healthline, many people fail to communicate clearly with ex-spouses. This can lead to a frustrating environment where you may continually blame one another for issues that happen due to these miscommunications.
Staying direct and businesslike while talking can help prevent any further disagreements. When discussing important subjects like child care or schooling, make sure to stay on topic and keep any criticisms to a minimum.
Reply formally
When responding to texts or emails, make your replies short and concise. Do not use another party, such as a grandparent or friend, to speak for you or deliver a message to your ex-spouse.
Not only can this confuse you both, but it can cause feelings of resentment in the third party caught in the middle. Having strong boundaries about how often you both call or text can give you peace of mind.
Look ahead to the future
While it may seem tempting to hold onto grudges that started during your marriage, those feelings of anger will only make it harder for you to move forward after a divorce. Instead, focus on you and your ex-spouse’s shared goal of raising your children.
Planning ahead for the holiday season and summer vacation can help take some of the stress off these arrangements. Waiting until the last minute may lead to a fight, while writing down a plan months before can help you both discuss the idea calmly. Learning how to reduce co-parenting conflicts is both difficult and rewarding.
