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Supporting balance in co-parenting

On Behalf of | Dec 19, 2022 | Time-Sharing

Sharing parenting time comes with challenges. In addition to helping your child visit their other parent, you may have disagreements about how you approach parenting your child now that you are divorced.

While you may have a plan in place to determine who has custody and when, it can be difficult to find balance as you help your child (and yourself) adjust to a new routine and lifestyle.

Here are a few tips for helping you and your child find balance as you adapt to co-parenting.

Find a routine that works

Balance is critical to you and your children knowing what will come next and building a predictable routine. Routines will give your child structure and a feeling that their world is stable.

While there are times when you may want or need to break your routine, it should continue to be something you come back to. Remember that your routine can also include flexibility and room for change since your family’s needs will change as you continue forward.

Spend different types of time together

When you go from seeing your child every day to sharing that time with a co-parent, it can come with a temptation to fit as many happy memories into your time as you can. However, since you and your child both need balance, trying to do in too many fun activities can leave you both stressed.

Although your child needs to build positive memories with both parents, it is also essential to help them learn everyday routines, including:

  • Chores and projects
  • Quiet time together and alone
  • Household skills
  • Homework and reading

In addition to helping them appreciate fun times, creating a balance that includes everyday tasks will help your child learn essential skills as they continue to move toward adulthood.