Consider Co-Parenting Counseling When Sharing Parenting Responsibilies Become Difficult With Your Former Spouse
Recently I posted an article on the blog discussing co-parenting and parallel parenting arrangements. Perhaps you and your ex have decided on a co-parenting arrangement. If you are finding it difficult to do so and the children are suffering from the conflicts between you and your ex, then it might be wise to seek co-parenting counseling.
When parents decide to share parenting time, there are an awful lot of things to consider and coordinate in order to make it a successful arrangement for all. The number one priority is, or should be, the kids. The two parties may find it difficult just being in the same room together, but it is imperative that they put aside the animosity they might feel for one another and focus on the children. When co-parenting there is much to consider. Kids need to do a lot of things such as go to school, attend extra-curricular activities, visit with friends, go on trips, etc. They need a lot of “things” too, such as school supplies, clothes, sports equipment, toys, nutritious food, doctor and dental care, etc., etc.
As a parent, you are aware of all your child’s needs, but when you are sharing parental responsibilities the key to a successful arrangement is communicating with your former spouse. If there isn’t a good relationship between the two parties and there is a lack of trust, communication can be difficult. If this is the case perhaps it is time to try co-parenting counseling before the problems get worse and spiral out of control.
What Is Co-Parenting Counseling?
Co-parenting counseling or co-parent therapy, is a form of counseling that helps parents to build a more trusting relationship so that they can deal with communication issues for the good of the children. After going through a divorce, there are usually unresolved issues that make it hard for some parents to have a calm conversation.
It often boils down to a general distrust between parents. This is where the counselor can help the two parents help to restore a level of trust between them. It is not about getting back together as a couple; it is about working together for the sake of the children. Counselors can help parents to put aside their anger towards the other, and to move forward in a civil way. Counseling helps parents to reduce conflict, to improve communication and to help implement good parenting strategies. Counselors will help parents to look at some of the good things from the past and to look at some of the successes that they have had.
Concentrating on those successes often will help the two parents to be more willing and open to working with each other. A counselor can help parents learn to put their personal differences aside and to focus on their relationship only as being co parents. A counselor can help parents learn effective communication strategies so that they are not dwelling in the past and they both learn to focus on the children without blaming one another for past problems. Both parents need to recognize that even though they are no longer living together as a family, the ex will always be part of their lives because of the children and they must find a way to effectively communicate. Good co-parenting requires the two parents to get to a place of mutual respect.
The Importance Of A Good Counselor Post-Divorce Is Vital
Unfortunately, there are some people who are just not willing to work on getting to that place of mutual respect. Even if one of the two are willing to go to counseling for the sake of the children, maybe the other is not. Perhaps the former spouse is one of those people who thrive on conflict and has a narcissistic personality. If the other party is not willing to go to counseling, then that is something the other parent may just have to accept. If both parties are willing to work on the post-divorce counseling in order to be a better parent for their children, then that is a positive step forward. It is important to find a good counselor that will help the parents learn to put in place consistent parenting strategies and to learn to co-parent in a healthy way.
Experienced Trusted Dayton Ohio Lawyers
Our experienced Dayton divorce lawyers at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues can assist you with your divorce, custody and parenting issues. To learn more, please go to our website at www.hcmmlaw.com or call us at 937 293-2141. We can schedule an in-person conference or one by phone or Zoom. We look forward to helping you!
© 2021, Ohio Family Law Blog. All rights reserved.
Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
