Shared parenting arrangements can be challenging when communication is poor between parents. Being effective at shared decisions, interacting with one another and resolving child related issues becomes more complicated during separation or divorce. Here are a few tips to help you through the process:
1. Remain Child Centered- See the other parent through your child's eyes. Separate your issues from those of the children. Placing the children in the middle of parent disputes, may result in the development of toxic stress, reducing your child's ability to reach their full potential.
2. Be consistent- try to establish a common set of house rules and consequences. Children adjust better and feel more secure when their environment is consistent. This way they know what to expect and what is expected of them.
3. Establish a health communication pattern with the other parent. It is often helpful to limit communication to email, focusing on one child related topic per email, 20 words or less.
4. Meet with a Parent Coordinator to assist you if mutual agreements cannot be made between the parents and to learn ways to support your children through the changing family dynamics.
Contact Dr. Michelle to arrange co-parenting support sessions @ drmichelle@telus.net
