Navigating separation is extremely challenging. Both parents aim to be the best parent they can be for their children but this can be tough to achieve after a separation for various reasons.
During a relationship breakdown, you may experience a range of emotions such as anger, confusion, frustration and sadness. We all cope with these emotions in different ways.
Trying to be the best parent you can to your children whilst managing these emotions can be tough. Our children can also react to separation in different ways. How both parents manage the situation will often affect how your child copes following separation.
Cooperative parenting is where both parents work together to make decisions about their children, aiming to keep the children shielded from conflict between adults. Separation is an adult issue and children should not be involved in the conflict between their parents wherever possible.
Some benefits to children when both parents are cooperative post-separation are;
Consistency – In an ideal world, there would be some consistency between households in respect of parenting style. This is not always the case. Open communication about your children’s routines is vital for both parents around issues such as education, health and even basic things like bedtimes and homework routine. You and your ex-partner may have very different parenting styles but keeping some things consistent (such as bedtime) can be very helpful when children are regularly moving between households.
Learn by example – Not withstanding that tensions may be high in the period following separation, it is always better for children to see their parents getting along. You don’t need to be friends with your ex-partner but keeping it civil in front of the children will minimise any angst they may experience as they adjust to life with separated parents. Remember that no matter what your personal opinion of the other parent is, they are still the mother or father of your child, and the child’s right to have a meaningful relationship with both of their parents is of paramount importance and enshrined in law.
We understand that children’s matters during separation need to be navigated carefully. At PR Family Lawyers, we work with you from beginning to end and want to help you reach an agreement with your former partner about the care arrangements for your children We can assist you in negotiating and documenting these arrangements.
You deserve to have peace and closure in your household. Let us help you to rediscover the light at the end of the tunnel. If you would like to speak to a family lawyer about arrangements for children, contact us today.