If a Florida family judge orders you and your former spouse to have joint custody of your child, you will inevitably have to co-parent with one another. And for the sake of your child, you and your former spouse must learn how to do so respectfully. Read on to discover the benefits of a healthy co-parenting relationship and how a skilled Pasco County, Florida child custody lawyer at Wendy Doyle-Palumbo, Esq. can help you in fostering one.

How can a child benefit from a healthy co-parenting relationship?

Even though you and your former spouse have since divorced, it does not mean that you cannot still model a healthy relationship for your child. You can do this by having a healthy co-parenting relationship. Other ways in which your child will benefit from your positive relationship are as follows:

  • Your child will adjust quickly and easily to the new family dynamic.
  • Your child will feel confident in your and your former spouse’s love for them.
  • Your child will feel mentally and emotionally healthier.
  • Your child will benefit from the consistency between the two households.
  • Your child will learn how to problem solve from your and your former spouse’s example of teamwork.

How can I establish healthy co-parenting?

While it may be difficult to do, a healthy co-parenting relationship is achievable if you and your spouse work towards it together. Meaning, you and your former spouse must work as a team.

This means reaching important decisions regarding your child together (i.e., educational, medical, and financial decisions). In addition, this means working together to make sure your households have the same rules, disciplines, and schedules for your child. Notably, all of this stems from healthy communication practices, with the assistance of a Hudson child custody lawyer if needed.

Below are additional tips that you and your former spouse should follow:

  • Set your hurt, anger, and/or resentment aside when communicating with one another.
  • Do not express your hurt, anger, and/or resentment to your child.
  • Do not make your child “pick a side” in your arguments.
  • Keep your conversations focused on your child.
  • Commit to meeting or talking consistently regarding your child.
  • Be open to each other’s opinions on your child’s educational, medical, and financial matters.
  • Be open to compromise on your child’s educational, medical, and financial matters.
  • Follow the rules, disciplines, and schedules that you agreed upon.
  • Abide by your court-ordered child custody settlement.
  • Do not show up late for pick up or drop off your child.
  • Make the picking up or dropping off of your child a positive experience.

If you require additional services concerning child custody, reach out to a competent Hudson family lawyer today. We look forward to hearing from you.