How to Practice Healthy Co-Parenting After Your Illinois Divorce

 Posted on April 27, 2021 in Child Custody

One of the biggest concerns that many parents have during the divorce process is the effect it will have on their children. The irony of this is that the parents themselves have significant control over how their children are affected. Many people think the mere fact that parents are splitting up will be enough to permanently harm a child for life, but studies have shown that the level of conflict parents display to their children is a much more important factor when it comes to determining how much of an effect a divorce has on the children. Children whose parents are constantly in conflict suffer from more negative effects than the children of parents who get along.

Co-Parenting For Your Children’s Best Interests

With this in mind, it is important that you and your spouse keep the conflict to a minimum, especially when around the children. Co-parenting after your divorce can be complicated, especially if your divorce was less than amicable. Here are a few things you can do to help keep the conflict at bay during and after your divorce:

• Follow your parenting plan. One of the easiest things you can do to reduce the amount of conflict between you and your spouse after your divorce is simply to follow the terms of your parenting plan. Before your divorce is finalized, you and your spouse will be required to submit a parenting plan to the court to be approved by the judge. That plan should contain information about most issues that may arise while co-parenting and ways to cope with those issues.

• Always speak about your ex-spouse in a friendly manner. There are times for expressing how you really feel about your ex-spouse and there are times when you should simply contain those feelings for the sake of others. Time spent with your children is an example of the latter. You and your spouse’s issues are not your children’s issues, and it is unfair for either parent to attempt to “sway” the child toward one or the other.

• Remember that your children’s needs take precedence. Above all, the most important thing to remember when facing difficulties during co-parenting is that your children’s needs are first and foremost in order of importance. Even if you are frustrated beyond belief with your ex-spouse, you should focus on making sure your children’s needs are met, regardless of your current relationship with their other parent.

Contact Our DuPage County Child Custody Lawyers

Often, one of the best things you can do for your children after a divorce is to maintain a healthy relationship with their other parent. You do not have to be best friends, but maintaining respect is an important component to protecting your children from conflict. At the Goostree Law Group, we can help you create a plan for co-parenting success after your divorce. Contact one of our skilled Wheaton, IL child custody attorneys today to discuss your case and determine a parenting plan that will work for everyone. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-364-4046.

Sources:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/co-parenting-tips-for-divorced-parents.htm

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201203/the-dos-and-donts-co-parenting-well

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-successful-coparenting_b_9541172