How to Co-Parent Amicably After Separation or Divorce

How to co-parent as amicably as possible

To help guide you through things, we’ve put together some tips for successful co-parenting.

1. Work together on a co-parenting agreement

Draw up a parenting agreement, either independently or with the help of a third-party relationship counsellor, that all parties agree on and stick to. This agreement may include issues such as:

• Where and when children will spend time with each parent
• Which parent will assume the financial responsibility (or percentage of) various child-related needs, including education, leisure pursuits, holiday costs, medical and other living expenses
• Boundaries regarding all interactions with shared children

2. Communicate

Agree on the best way to communicate with each other and the frequency of contact. Some ex-couples will be able to do this in a less structured way, but in cases where there are heightened emotions and conflict, there are mechanisms to assist.

One option is to use an app such as MyMob or Divvito. Apps like these come with features including shared calendars, contacts storage, wish lists, messaging with a profanity filter, and a virtual ‘fridge’ to post photos and notes.

3. Always put children’s needs first

By solely focusing on the needs of the children, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary conflict. Remember that this process is not about you as parents, but about your children. By keeping this as the forethought, any interactions you make can potentially remain positive and constructive, and effectively be separated from the issues between you as parents.

4. Be consistent

Both households need to maintain similar rules and routines to support consistency with issues such as bedtime, screen time and homework. If the children see their parents working cohesively, there is little room for one parent to be made the ‘bad guy’.

5. Take the time to listen

Depending on their age, kids may have many questions, fears, and their own anger. Even if that anger is directed at one or both parents, listen with love and don’t be tempted to blame the other parent. Acknowledge their distress and let them know they are in a safe place to talk about it.

6. Try regulate your behaviour and emotions

This might seem obvious, but in the heat of the moment it can be hard to hold back an outburst — especially if you’ve just had a difficult conversation with your ex, or if the other parent has made last-minute changes to existing arrangements.

Children model their behaviour on yours, so make sure it’s behaviour you’re happy for them to emulate.

7. Encourage your child’s relationship with the other parent

Successful co-parenting allows your children to see that the love of each parent for them remains far greater than any anger that you may hold for each other.

Allow and encourage your child’s affection for the other parent. Knowing that they are loved by both parents equally — and that they can do so without guilt or fear of hurting the other parent — is vital for healthy, emotionally robust kids.

8. Don’t try to be the favourite parent or spoil your kids with gifts

It can be tempting to indulge your child when they’re with you, particularly if you are the parent with greater financial means.

Whilst your kids may indeed love the short-term pleasure of receiving extravagant toys, holidays or that adorable puppy, children crave stability, boundaries and routine. Ultimately, this is what will truly make them feel secure and loved.

9. Don’t treat the children as messengers

Using your child as the medium to communicate with your ex creates stress for them, with the possibility of misinformation or the child forgetting to pass on messages and feeling blame and guilt.

Letting the child be the go-between can quickly lead to tension, misunderstanding and anger. It’s always best to communicate directly with your former partner to avoid misunderstandings.