Co-parenting isn’t an easy task on the best of days, between managing two different schedules, a variety of events, school and life in general, it can be difficult to maintain a level-headed approach. However, at the end of the day the most important thing is that whatever parenting agreements are in place, they benefit everyone involved.

We’ve put together a list of 10 tips to successful co-parenting that has everyone feeling supported and stable.

1. Remember that the child’s needs come first before anything. If there are times that are particularly difficult, always remind yourself that this is for your child’s benefit. Even if it is just putting a smile on, the children always come first!
2. Maintain consistency in all areas for both children and parents. This can be an incredibly tumultuous time for everyone and one of the best things to do is to create consistent patterns of parenting with regular visits, recurring activities and consistent support. This stability creates a calm environment where everyone can feel encouraged and happy.
3. Keep an open line of effective communication with your fellow co-parent. Don’t ignore or purposely miss them trying to reach out to you about co-parenting. It is in your child’s best interest to keep a level head and converse openly with your ex-partner when they contact you, this also allows them to feel your support with the situation and they will reciprocate.
4. Form a team-like mindset with your ex-partner. Treating this situation as teamwork can help in many difficult situations by reminding yourself that you and your co-parent are a team and your child’s happiness is the ultimate goal.
5. Make an effort to facilitate a positive environment for everyone. If you keep a ‘glass-half-full approach and always try to make the best out of a bad situation, then you will find that everyone takes on this approach as well.
6. Be mindful of special dates and plan visits around these. For example, if you know your ex-partner’s birthday is coming up but it is your week for visits, go out of your way to organise something else so your child can spend the special day with them. It will not go unappreciated!
7. Never bad-mouth your ex-partner, especially in front of your children. You want to continue to facilitate this positive and supportive environment and perpetuating negative feelings towards each other is counter-productive and harmful to the situation.
8. Be open to trying different parenting styles. You may have one idea of how things should be but it is always important to keep an open mind to new and different methods, especially if they are in your child’s best interest!
9. Make sure the tough parenting tasks are shared all around! It’s no fun having to take on the disciplinary role or dealing with the hard tasks, so make sure both parents are equally taking on this during co-parenting so everyone can have fun.
10. Don’t forget about yourself and your needs! Co-parenting is difficult and it is important to always check in with yourself and your mental health. If you need guidance or support, go out and seek it!

To speak to one of our Family Law Solicitors to find out if Mediation or Collaborative Practice is right for you and your situation, contact the team here.