Parents who share children but who aren’t romantically involved any longer will still have to talk to each other because of the kids. This isn’t always easy, partially because of the negative feelings that come with the end of a relationship.
Regardless of your personal feelings about your ex, you’re going to have to make an effort to communicate with your ex. This won’t always be easy, but it can help to make the situation easier for you and for your children.
Keep the focus on the kids
The children have to be the focus of the conversations you have with your ex. Keeping every discussion on track can help to keep the stress minimal because personal matters are kept out of the conversation.
Listen actively and attentively
Both parents need to be able to participate in the discussion. Listen to your ex without interrupting them and give them your full attention. They should return the respect, but be prepared just in case they don’t.
Compromise for the good of the children
You have to be able to compromise for the good of the children. This should be mutual so one parent isn’t always having to give in to the other. There’s no need to keep score of who’s having to cave in the most. Instead, make sure that the children are getting what they need.
Know when to take a break
Taking a break can help to reduce the tension sometimes. If the conversation gets too heated, take a step back to calm down and think about the situation and options that can resolve the matter.
Many of the decisions you’ll have to make should be covered in the parenting plan. Working with someone who can help you to get that plan together is beneficial so you can get all the important points covered.