Co-parenting isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to your child’s interests and events. You don’t necessarily want to see your ex, his or her new spouse or partners, or to interact, but you have to for the sake of your child. As a parent, it’s your choice to decide to manage your emotions for the benefit of your child or to allow them to consume you.
Since there may be some trouble between you and your ex-spouse, it’s a good idea to learn some tips to help you manage co-parenting when you simply can’t avoid each other. Here are three tips that may help.
1. Focus on your child, not whom you’re sitting next to
It’s true that it can be uncomfortable to sit next to your ex, especially if he or she has brought along his or her new family or partner. Instead of focusing on how you feel, focus on your child. Watch the event closely and make sure he or she sees you and his or her other parent being mature.
2. Develop rules
If you simply can’t handle talking to your ex-spouse, it might be good to set ground rules for events involving your child. It’s fair to set rules that you only talk about your child and his or her needs instead of your personal lives. You may also choose to sit separately or to alternate the events you go to a majority of the time to avoid conflict.
3. Wear yourself out first
If you feel like you might get aggressive with your ex, focus on wearing yourself out. Take a run, exercise or otherwise exhaust your mind so that the last thing you want to do is argue. That way, you’ll avoid conflicts because you simply don’t have the energy for them.
Your child wants, and deserves, to see his or her mom and dad together at events in a peaceful manner. Focus on your child’s well-being, and you’ll make the right choices.
