Rebuilding your life after a separation is hard even when you and your ex can go your separate ways and never speak again.
However, when you share children, the adjustment period can be extremely stressful because you have a responsibility to co-parent. Therefore, it is important to find ways to overcome the emotional toll and focus on the well-being of your young family members.
Establish effective communication
When wounds are fresh, the last thing you may want to do is talk to your former partner. However, for your little ones, you must put hurt feelings aside and participate in parenting conversations. If verbal communication is too difficult, consider using other methods such as text messaging, email or specialized co-parenting apps.
Find common ground
You and your ex are different people with different parenting styles, and your children must learn to navigate both. You may not see eye-to-eye on everything, but if you can agree on specific guidelines such as homework, bedtime and respectful behavior, then your kids will have an easier time adjusting to life in two households.
Rely on your support network
Depending on the circumstances of your divorce, your mental health may be suffering. Because your children deserve you at your best, it is important to take time for your own healing. Speaking to a therapist, spending time with loved ones and accepting help from your community will give you some peace of mind and allow you to focus on your future.
Your marriage may have failed, but you and your ex can still create a functional relationship for the sake of raising healthy and happy children.