A relationship breakdown often creates a highly emotionally charged environment, but throw your children into the mix it can become downright volatile. In these circumstances, a lack of objectivity can lead you to behave in ways you ordinarily wouldn’t.
When this happens its usually the children who get hurt the most, and those scars can last a lifetime.
So I’ve put together my top 5 tips, drawn from experience, for successfully negotiating parenting agreements after separation.
- Avoid conflict as much as possible.
- Do not denigrate the other parent. Children identify with both parents and can take criticism of the other parent as criticism of themselves.
- Do not use children as go-betweens.
- Remember the needs of children (and parents) will change over time. What is best for your child now will be different in twelve months time. Reviewing arrangements and being open to flexibility will lead to a more peaceful life for all parties involved.
- Lastly however, importantly, GET HAPPY! Do whatever it takes to become a healthy parent despite the stress of separation. Happy parents make happy children!
Whatever your situation presents, we suggest you always seek legal advice.
