Parenting during separation or divorce is practically synonymous with “complicated,” but even if it takes weeks or months of preparation, you and your ex-spouse can put aside relationship issues and put your children’s needs first.
Although joint custody arrangements can be exhausting, painful, and antagonistic, parents who developed a cooperative parenting relationship have children who benefit from the consistency of both parents in their lives, feel more secure, and have a healthy example to reflect on for the rest of their lives.
In order to separate your feelings from your conduct and keep your children away from the more frustrating aspects, try the following:
- Vent to friends, therapists, or a support group – but never to your child;
- Stay focused on the needs of your child, and remember that his or her best interests are at stake;
- Do not use your child as a messenger – pick up the phone and tell your ex-spouse yourself;
- Never say anything negative about the other parent in front of your child; and
- Always keep conversations with your ex-spouse kid-centric.
Help from a Dedicated Divorce Attorney
If you are going through a divorce, don’t go it alone. Reach out to a Virginia divorce attorney who will protect your interests and provide you some respite in this difficult time – 1-757-425-5200.