Love & Logic Parenting for Babies & Toddlers
Successful Co-Parenting While Living Apart
Sometimes life works out differently than you planned.
Parents who live in different households face challenges
as they co-parent their children. It is hard work, but
commitment and good communication can smooth the
way. Every child needs and deserves parents who love
him and always keep his best interests in their hearts.
Making the commitment
You are really making a commitment to your child when
you and your parenting partner commit to successful co
-parenting. Research shows that children can feel confused,
disoriented, and insecure when parents who live
apart fail to cooperate on child rearing. Consistent rules
and values in both households create a sense of security
for children of any age. Thoughtful, considerate
communication between parents is essential for healthy
child development.
Communication counts
Children whose parents make the commitment to
communicate effectively fare better in the months and
years following a separation and when parents live apart.
Parents can stay focused on their child and her needs,
and resist the temptation to be negative or critical to each
other. Here are some thoughts on keeping the lines of
communication open and productive
Be “business like” while communicating. Look at
co-parenting like a partnership that doesn’t involved a
relationship.
Talk or communicate frequently, weekly if possible.
Email may be a good way to stay in touch. When
parents are consistent in their parenting practices, children’s routines are maintained. Commit to decide
together and problem solve your child’s behavior
challenges.
Think of innovative ways to share information.
For example, a notebook can be passed between
households to describe the child’s daily experiences
and note rules and routines.
Keep emotions in check. Strive to work together for
your child’s benefit, and leave any difficult aspects of
your relationship with your child’s other parent out of the
picture.
Don’t put your child, child care provider, or another
relative in the middle of your communication.
Communicate directly with your parenting partner.
Strike a good balance between compromise and
setting limits on what you are willing to do. If you are
up front about your position, you can avoid many
disagreements.
Parenting is for a lifetime. Begin now to forge an effective
relationship that will help your child feel secure and loved
by both his parents.
Reprinted with permission from Parents as Teacher News, Winter 2009
Watch this page for more Love & Logic Tips!
Mission Statement
To provide the information,
support and encouragement
parents need to help
their children develop
optimally during the
crucial early years of life.
Contact Us
Program Director:
Roxie Brotsky
PAT OFFICE
134 Stewart
Haysville, KS 67060
Telephone: 316-554-2303
Fax: 316-554-2342
