Many parents in Florida who separate or divorce these days choose to co-parent. Anyone who has gone through a divorce or separation knows how emotional and stressful the experience can be. These emotions can make communicating with an ex-spouse very challenging. Yet, without effective communication between co-parents, it will be difficult for this type of arrangement to be successful. Here are some ways co-parents can bolster communication.
Partnership
Emotions from the past can make it tough to communicate. It can be helpful to approach the parenting relationship like a business partnership, where the business is the children’s well-being. Speak or write to the other parent cordially and respectfully, as if he or she were a colleague.
Listen
Effective communication starts with listening. Listening may feel like a no-brainer, but it seems that far too many people will listen to respond rather than listen to understand. Listening does not signify approval, so it will not hurt anything to allow the other parent to voice his or her opinions.
The children are the top priority
When talking with an ex-spouse, it can be easy to let disagreements from the past creep into the conversation. However, never let a conversation digress into discussing the needs of either parent. Communication and conversations should always focus on the children and their needs only. Those in Florida who have parenting or child custody-related questions could get help by contacting a legal professional. A seasoned family law attorney can provide invaluable legal guidance to assist parents in making difficult decisions that may affect their children’s future.