Co-parenting is difficult enough when both parents are willing to do whatever it takes to make things easy on their children. However, if you come to find that your ex-spouse isn’t willing to cooperate, you’re sure to run into more challenges and complications.
Here are some tips you can use to your advantage if your ex-spouse is trying to make the co-parenting process miserable:
- Fall back on your parenting agreement: This is the number one thing you should do if things take a turn for the worse. Your agreement outlines the expectations and rights of both parents. When you understand the terms and conditions, you’ll have a better idea of what the both of you should and shouldn’t be doing.
- Talk to them: Yes, it’s difficult to do so when your ex is purposely making life miserable. However, if you bring your concerns to the forefront and express them in the appropriate manner, it may help mend your differences.
- Don’t put your children in the middle: This often happens when you don’t see eye to eye with your ex. For example, you may be looking to vent, so you begin to talk poorly about your ex in front of your children. Making this mistake will only cause more tension between the two of you. Not to mention the fact that it can also take a toll on your children.
- Seek a modification: It’s a last resort, but it may be necessary if you want to settle things down and do what’s best for your children. For example, if your ex continually violates their visitation rights, a modification may be necessary. With a court order, there’s a better chance of your ex doing what’s required of them.
Don’t give up
It’s hard to co-parent when your ex-spouse isn’t willing to cooperate. In fact, it can be so hard that you feel like throwing in the towel.
Don’t give up. There’s hope, even when things aren’t working out as planned. As long as you do the right thing and protect your legal rights, you’ll eventually end up in a good place that allows you to move on with your life while focusing on what’s best for your children.
