If your co-parent makes it challenging to raise your child collaboratively, they can be regarded as difficult. For instance, they don’t communicate with you, refuse to cooperate when making child-related decisions or fail to meet their responsibilities.
In such a circumstance, a few strategies can help you improve your co-parenting. Here are three of them:
1. Accept what you cannot change
If you believe your co-parent is being difficult, it’s crucial to look at the situation objectively. Are they refusing to co-parent effectively with you, or do you disagree with how they approach matters that may have been a problem in your marriage?
If it’s the latter, you need to accept what you cannot change as long as it does not affect the healthy environment you want to create for your child in both homes. You can only control how you respond to your co-parent’s behavior.
2. Be consistent
You need to be consistent to provide your child with stability. However, this can be challenging when you have an unhealthy co-parent who undermines your parenting style.
For example, they may allow your child to have screens for an extended period or stay up late to get a reaction from you. While you may also want to be the fun parent, you need to stay consistent. Your child should know the rules they need to follow when with you.
3. Communicate with them respectfully
Although difficult, you should always communicate with your co-parent in a respectful tone. Avoid angry outbursts or withholding information from them. Further, only reach out to them when calm, and if a conversation becomes contentious, postpone it.
Unfortunately, your co-parent may deliberately make your experience difficult. A few tips can help you control the situation. But if their behavior starts affecting your child’s well-being, legal guidance can help you determine the best way forward.