People who share minor children don’t generally get to ignore each other after they divorce. Instead, they have to try to find ways to communicate about their children. For some, this is easy because they remain amicable after the split, but that’s not always the case.
Even if you don’t get along with your ex, finding ways that you can discuss things related to your children is likely going to be a priority. Consider these tips to help you come up with suitable guidelines that enhance communication.
Focus on the children
After a divorce, maintaining clear and respectful communication between parents is crucial for the well-being of their children. It’s natural for there to be feelings of resentment or anger; however, you can’t focus on those. You should think about what the children need and stick to child-related topics with your ex.
Establish clear boundaries and methods
Setting clear boundaries and agreeing on how to communicate, such as text, email or phone calls, can help manage expectations and reduce conflicts. Using communication tools designed for divorced parents can also streamline scheduling and updates, making interactions more straightforward and less emotionally charged.
Communication terms to consider including in a parenting plan
A parenting plan is a document that divorced or separated parents create to outline how they will raise their children. Including specific communication terms in the parenting plan can provide a clear framework for interaction, reducing the potential for disputes. Essential communication terms to consider include:
- Preferred methods of communication: Specify which platforms should be used for regular updates, emergencies and other types of communication.
- Frequency of updates: Establish how often parents should provide updates about the children, including academic progress, health issues and social developments.
- Decision-making process: Outline how children’s welfare, education and health decisions will be made and communicated. This might include specifying that both parents must agree on major decisions or designating areas where each parent has the final say.
- Conflict resolution: Include a process for resolving disagreements that may arise regarding the children, whether through mediation, counseling or another mutually agreed-upon method.
Communicating respectfully can make it much easier to do what’s best for your child. As you’re discussing your parenting plan, be sure to include other terms that will reduce the chance of conflict. Having a legal representative to assist with this may provide you with informed options to make the situation as peaceful as possible.
