The communication between most divorcing couples is filled with a lot of emotion. After all, you and your spouse tried unsuccessfully to make your marriage work and you likely have very different views on why things went wrong in the marriage and whose fault it was. When you sign your divorce papers (especially if you share children), you end one phase of your relationship and begin another. You must nearly instantly shift from being married to co-parenting. During this time, you must also shift your focus from looking back on your unsuccessful marriage to looking forward toward building a new life for yourself. Changing your communication style can be extremely helpful during this time.
Effective Co-Parenting
AMS Mediation can work with you to develop strategies for implementing business-like co-parenting communication, so that you can handle interactions more effectively, with less emotion. Once you have determined the terms of your divorce, you and your ex-spouse work together to implement the parenting plan. Co-parenting is a partnership and requires ongoing communication about the child/children. You must coordinate drop-offs and pick-ups, extra- curricular activities and medical appointments. These details can be viewed very much as transactions that can be managed with clear communication and planning. Some of the strategies our team recommends include:
● Be cooperative: It is helpful to communicate with each other in a cooperative way about upcoming issues and conflicts rather than to simply inform your co-parenting partner what is happening. Good partners listen and find solutions that work for all involved.
● Set boundaries: It is important to keep details about your personal lives separate from the issues you discuss with your co-parenting partner. You no longer need to share the personal details in your life so resist the temptation to over share.
● Keep it professional: Do not talk bad about your former spouse to your kids. Keep the interactions professional and kind and communication will be easier.
Divorce Mediation and Communication Coaching
AMS Mediation is located in Burnsville, Minnesota and offers a wide variety of divorce mediation and coaching services that can help couples make the best of their co-parenting partnership. Our team understands the emotion involved in a divorce. We can help you shift your focus from the marriage that ended to your new life, which includes co-parenting the children that you both love. Implementing a business-like communication style is one tool to improve the overall effectiveness of your interactions and keep your focus on the wellbeing of your children. For more information, call AMS Mediation at 952-252-1492 for a free consultation.
