Tense arguments and increased feelings of annoyance around each other may signal that you and your co-parent struggle to get along.
Learning how to co-parent effectively without needless fighting is important for you both as you take care of your children.
Keep talks brief
According to Healthline, many co-parents struggle to be clear and concise with how they approach conversations. Focus on reinforcing your boundaries by limiting the amount of time you both are in contact with one another.
The emails or texts you both exchange should be short and to the point. You should also avoid using a third party to communicate your messages for you, such as a grandparent or a friend.
Focus on the future
In some circumstances, you may bring up old issues from the past or problems you had during your marriage. Instead of arguing over what happened before, look past any old grievances.
Plan for your children’s future and stay connected to the present. Not only can this shared goal lead to a better connection between you and your ex-spouse, but it can also help you both feel less anxious about any child care or schooling issues.
Plan ahead
When it comes time for the holiday season or summer vacation, you may worry that the discussion about where your children will stay could lead to another fight. Instead of approaching the topic with hostility, write out a plan well before the day arrives.
Discussing this topic before the season starts gives you both plenty of notice and allows for a more calm and respectful atmosphere. Co-parenting may cause stress, but learning to minimize unnecessary arguments can help you both communicate better.
