Parents in Illinois often have a hard time working together to co-parent their children after a messy divorce. The more emotional and intense the process may have become, the greater the likelihood that parents will continue to lash out at each other during custody exchanges or put the children in the middle of the conflict to some degree or another.
Most experts acknowledge that ongoing parental conflict is one of the most stressful and damaging aspects of divorce for children and the divided family as a whole, so the parents seeking to work cooperatively with one another after a divorce can go a long way toward the protection of their children’s interests. The following tools can help parents who have just finished a painful, contentious divorce start working together again in ways that can benefit their kids.
Co-parenting apps
Most adults spend their entire day connected to a smart device, so an app related to their co-parenting relationship could be a very convenient resource. Co-parenting apps put all the information about the schedule and rules for the households in one place. They also help parents commit to a system of written communication as opposed to calling each other on the phone or talking face-to-face during custody exchanges. Keeping things indirect and maintaining a record of every change to the schedule and promises between parents can drastically reduce conflict.
Co-parenting therapy
It can take quite some time for the adults in the family to release their negative emotions related to the divorce if they don’t have support. In fact, they might even cause further damage to their relationship with their emotional reactions to different situations. Co-parenting therapy can help adults learn how to communicate and can help them find new ways to resolve disputes that arise through the course of parenting.
Appropriate personal outlets and support
It will benefit the entire family as a unit if each member of the household connects with appropriate support. Children and adults alike will need to process their emotions in a safe space. From individual counseling sessions with therapists for the adults and children in the family to support groups or even religious retreats, there are many ways for the family to focus on healing and mental health in the months following the divorce. Ensuring that everyone in the household connects with appropriate social support and has healthy outlets for their emotions can reduce the likelihood of major conflict and help everyone adjust to the new arrangements.
Co-parenting is often stressful, but those who make use of the right tools may have a much easier time adjusting to their new family circumstances.
