When it comes to co-parenting, you want nothing more than to get along with the other parent to provide your children with a stable environment. Even if this is your goal, there are times when arguments come to light.
Fortunately, knowledge of the most common co-parenting arguments can go a long way in helping you avoid bad situations. Here are five common arguments to prepare for and protect against:
- Scheduling conflicts: The best way to avoid scheduling conflicts is to follow the parenting agreement whenever possible. Furthermore, discuss pick up and drop off times in advance, to ensure that the both of you are on the same page.
- Holidays, vacations and other special events: Throughout the year, there are many special occasions that both parents want to spend with their children. Christmas morning is an example of this. The same holds true for birthdays. Planning as far in advance as possible is the best way to avoid an argument. Also, implement a system for “rotating” events every year.
- You’re the fun parent: Do you ever find yourself saying this to your ex-spouse? When your children consider your ex the fun parent, they may want to spend more time with them. It’s not your children’s fault, but it’s definitely something to discuss with your ex. The key word here is discuss, not argue.
- Lack of communication: It’s hard to communicate with your ex, especially if you’ve just gone through a nasty divorce. The best way to avoid this argument is to find a communication strategy that works for the both of you. For instance, if you can’t talk in person without fighting, stick to emails or text messages.
- Different house rules: You have one set of rules at your house, but your ex has something completely different in mind. This is a common argument because it can lead to confusion when your children go from one house to the next.
It’s not fun and it’s not easy, but you should expect to have co-parenting arguments every now and again. Even if you get along with your ex, there’s no way to completely prevent arguments.
If basic arguments are turning into something more serious, such as an ex who continually violates the parenting agreement, learn more about your legal rights and how to protect them.