Did you know that the way parents talk to and about each other has an effect on their children?
If you need help figuring out how to improve communication with your child’s other parent, Ohio State University Extension has Successful Co-Parenting classes offered in several counties in Ohio. Whether parents are divorced, separated or not married, Successful Co-Parenting can help them understand the importance of taking care of themselves, their children, and their co-parenting relationship.
Take Care of Yourself
- Recognize the emotions you feel.
- Learn ways to cope with the stress(PDF) you experience.
- Live in the present, plan for the future, and move on.
- If you feel stuck in the past seek professional counseling to help you move forward.
Take Care of Your Children
- Provide a consistent routine for children.
- Have realistic expectations according to the age of each child.
- Model positive ways to handle change, stress(PDF) and conflict.
Take Care of Your Co-Parenting Relationship
- Avoid talking negatively about the other parent.
- Show respect to the other parent.
- Communicate about parenting topics.
- Remember that each parent is responsible for their own actions.
- With each decision you make together ask “Is this best for the child(ren)?”
If parents have one thing in common it is probably that they really do love their children. They just might show it in different ways. Knowing this can help you find ways to resolve parental conflict(PDF). How will you choose to co-parent your child(ren)?
