Going through a divorce or separation is never easy, especially when children are involved. Indiana parents going through the separation process may be struggling to find a child custody schedule that works for everyone if they can even agree on a child custody split in the first place. When negotiating child custody, parents should keep their children’s best interests in mind and prevent personal feelings about their exes from getting in the way of what is healthy for the child.
Peaceful co-parenting can help kids cope with divorce
Divorce can be as hard if not harder on children than it is for divorcing parents. When parents badmouth each other to their children, the kids may internalize some of the insults, and they may feel even more confused about how to handle their parents’ separation. Parents should encourage children to talk to them about their fears and concerns relating to the divorce, but parents should never participate in saying anything bad about each other, even if the children have a complaint about one of their parents.
Learning to cooperate
Divorcing spouses might fight over just about anything, no matter how small. When it comes to children, it is best to learn to let go and be cooperative. For instance, you do not need to pick a fight with your ex, and certainly not in front of your children, if your ex is 15 minutes late to pick up the kids from your custody. If one parent needs to go on emergency work travel during a custody day, the other parent should be as supportive as possible with the understanding that the other spouse will do the same if the tables are turned.
While it is good for parents to be considerate of each other’s time, it is easier said than done. Sticking to a child custody schedule and planning for emergencies that may arise is easier when parents agree in advance on the schedule. A family law attorney may be able to help you and your ex create a written schedule that allows for flexibility on both parents’ ends.