Disputes can arise when parents are raising a child together but separately. And while these issues can be emotional and complicated, you can lean on some of the skills you might teach kids when it comes to resolving conflicts.
Use your words
Communication is a crucial element in solving parenting problems. Putting things like schedule changes, travel requests or questions about a child’s behavior in words can help parents clarify the issue and work together to address it.
Whether you email, text or make a phone call, speaking to each clearly can be essential in preventing or solving child-related conflicts.
Be respectful
Even if you and your child’s other parent had a difficult divorce or have trouble with co-parenting, you can still be respectful when arguments arise.
Refrain from lashing out at the other person or making false allegations. And rather than let strong emotions drive your actions, try to stay calm. Focus on modeling behaviors you would want your child to emulate.
Listen
Listening is crucial in solving problems, but it can be something many people struggle with. Understandably, you want to give your opinion or perspective in a parenting conflict, but listening to the other person can give you a great deal of information that can help you get past it.
For instance, your ex may have an explanation or suggestion you had not considered. When you listen at least as much as you speak, both parties can feel heard, making it easier to reach decisions together.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Sometimes parenting issues are too complicated or contentious for parents to overcome by themselves. Rather than continue to have the same argument repeatedly or deal with less-than-ideal situations, parents can ask for help.
Parents might consider seeking guidance from:
- Counselors
- Custody specialists
- Teachers
- Attorneys
These parties can provide insight and information you may not have to help you make responsible parenting decisions.
These tips can be just as helpful to parents as they are to our children when it comes to conflict resolution.
That said, if legal issues involving co-parenting or custody arise, parents can reach out to the Quinn Law Firm at 814-806-2518 to explore possible remedies.
