Establishing New Year’s Resolutions for Co-Parenting Success

With the changing of the calendar comes the opportunity for many people to take a fresh start and set new goals. For families that have shared parenting across different homes, this can be a great time for them to reflect. This is especially true when all parenting co-parents are able to set tangible and productive goals, which in turn ensures that they are able to create a wholesome and nurturing environment for their kids.

Here are some strategies for co-parenting efficiently.

1. Strengthen Communication

Use Shared Tools: Bring up co-parenting apps or online calendars to keep track of important dates, recitals, and school events that require specified attendance. This way, there will be fewer instances of misunderstanding and over-pitching, as most people will be on the same page in terms of the context.

Focus on Facts: Draw every talk towards only the well-being of children without dragging the previous grievances into their confines. Parenting must be realistic, uncomplicated, and factual to enable clarity in conversation.

2.       Respect and Consistency in Scheduling

Honor the Agreed-Upon Schedule: No one has time to wait. If you have dining plans with someone, show them respect by being antifragile and on time. If you are late to pick-ups and drop-offs, the kids have to deal with the repercussions.

Prepare for Notice of Change: If changes are to be made, provide them with such notice as may be necessary. Comprehensive, early notifications help curb irritations and keep the focus on what’s best for your kids.

3.       Maintain a Positive Tone During In-person Aspects

• Child-Centered Communication: Stay calm while greeting one another and only discuss details necessary to support the children’s present and future activities. Hold all counsel on sensitive matters and reconvene at a later time in a secure place.

• Model Polite Conduct: Even when you hold different views on specific topics, showing courtesy adds to a more amicable ambiance. The children see this and feel more secure when they know their parents are working together.

4.        Make Sure That Your Children’s Emotional Status Is Kept In Check

• Support both parents' child-child relationship: Proper guidance should assist your children in forming suitable family attachments with each parent without causing them to be estranged between the two homes. Their satisfaction and emotional security should be of paramount importance at all times.

• Be In Touch With Their Requirements: A child can grow up with different likes and dislikes and emotional conditions simultaneously. Be receptive to their comments and be able to change customs and ways of doing things, as well as alterations in time schedules, if doing so is really good for them.

5.        Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge Progress: It is important to celebrate any progress, no matter how slight it may seem. For instance, you could cope with weekends packed with events, or you managed to clear an argument with low friction. These celebrations help to build trust and cooperation.

Build on Success: Each forward movement allows you to prepare to tackle larger tasks in the future together. This builds the notion that both parents are never alone in the family and that they can outdo each other through teamwork.

Looking Toward a Brighter Year Ahead

Co-parenting is a never-ending circle of commitments, emotions, and the well-being of the children. By setting relevant New Year’s resolutions that center on communication, respect, and flexibility, you set the stage for a more positive, effective co-parenting environment. This, in turn, can enhance the children’s environment as they are reinforced and supported in different aspects as they enter the new year and years ahead. At the Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC, we are committed to helping you navigate the co-parenting process. Reach out to schedule a consultation today!