Tips for Co-Parenting

1. Keep the Focus on the Child
Always ask yourself: “Is this choice in the best interest of my child?” Try to set aside your feelings toward the other parent when making decisions about your child’s care.

2. Create Consistency
Children feel safer when they know what to expect. Try to keep routines such as mealtimes, homework, and bedtime predictable. Even if you and the other parent do things differently, aligning on the big things—like school, health, and safety—helps your child feel secure.

3. Avoid Putting Children in the Middle
Children should never act as messengers or feel they must take sides. Protect them from adult conflict by keeping arguments and negative comments away from them.

4. Use Calm and Neutral Transitions
Keep pick-ups and drop-offs simple, calm, and focused on your child. If in-person exchanges are too tense, consider school drop-offs or neutral locations to make transitions easier on your child.

5. Reassure and Support Your Child’s Feelings
Remind your child that both parents love them and that the conflict is not their fault. Remind your child they can love both parents! Encourage them to share their feelings and let them know those feelings are valid and safe with you.