Try to keep your positivity when you are co-parenting

When you make a bucket list for your life, there is a good chance that working closely with your ex isn’t going to make it onto that list. This is because dealing with an ex isn’t fun. When you have a child with that ex, you don’t really have a choice but to work with him or her.

As you co-parent your children, there are going to be times when you get angry, frustrated or sad. It can be hard to remain positive when this happens, but finding a way to hold on to your positivity can greatly benefit you and your children.

First, decide how much time and energy you are willing to give your ex. If the answer is “not a lot,” that’s your cue that you can’t let your ex get to you. Chances are good that your ex knows how to push your buttons. Letting him or her do this can ruin your mood, even if you are having the best day ever up until that point. Don’t let this happen. If your ex wants to be miserable, let him or her but don’t sentence yourself to a life of crankiness.

Second, remember that your children are the priority. Sometimes, these cases turn into a battle of what can make the other person the most miserable. This is a bad way to handle child custody issues so make sure that you are always putting your children first and letting everything else come after them.

Third, you might have to take a break. Don’t be afraid to let your ex know that you are taking time to calm down. This can give you both a chance to think about the matters at hand and come back ready to negotiate to come up with a solution.

Source: Our Family Wizard, “3 Tips to Maintain a Positive Scope on Co-Parenting,” accessed March 23, 2018