The start of a new year is the perfect time for co-parents to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the future. Resolutions can be a great way to stay motivated and ensure that both co-parents are on the same page regarding caring for their children. Here are four resolutions that all co-parents should keep in mind as they embark on a new chapter in their respective journeys.
Create a Plan
Co-parenting requires both parties to be organized, so creating a plan is essential. Whenever possible, sit down with your co-parent and discuss schedules, plans, and expectations for the upcoming year. It’s important that both parents agree to dates and times in advance so that any changes can be discussed beforehand. WeParent makes it easy for co-parents to create scheduling arrangements and communicate all in one place – without having to do any back and forth.
Set Boundaries
Being clear about what you will and won’t accept from your co-parent is critical in protecting your mental health. If communication starts getting heated or contentious, set a boundary so things don’t escalate further needlessly. That said, don’t forget to remain civil – sometimes having an open dialogue is key when trying to resolve issues between parents.
Lean into Compromise
When disagreements happen between co-parents (which they inevitably will at some point), it’s important not to get too caught up in arguments or debates – as this will only lead to heightened emotions which could eventually lead nowhere productive. Instead of arguing back and forth until you reach an impasse, try finding a way where both parties can compromise on something – even if it’s just something small! Co-parenting involves having an open exchange of ideas between both parents, so approaching disputes from this angle can really help you come out of tricky situations unscathed.
Focus on the Positives
At some point or another during your journey as a co-parent, there may be days where everything doesn’t go right—but even in those moments, it’s important not to forget about all of the positives involved with being part of your family unit! Try focusing on at least one positive thing instead (no matter how small). Maybe it’s something your co-parent did – acknowledge this effort! Positive reinforcement encourages healthy relationships between parents and helps strengthen bonds between them—which is ultimately beneficial for everyone involved: especially kids who benefit most from seeing their parents work together.
As the New Year approaches, take these resolutions as a starting point to ensure that both parents are on the same page when it comes to caring for your children. You can start laying down strong foundations of communication and compromise between yourself and your co-parent – creating an effective relationship that ultimately benefits everyone involved. With these in mind and a little effort, 2023 could be the best year yet!