Tips for Co-Parenting & Creating a Co-Parenting Plan in Tennessee

8 Tips for Co-Parenting and Creating a Co-Parenting Plan in Tennessee.

Following tips for co-parenting can prove helpful both before and after a divorce. As you’re required by Tennessee law to create a co-parenting plan, these tips can help you to work together to create a cohesive, comprehensive plan that looks out for your child’s best interests. Additionally, after the divorce has been finalized, they may help avoid conflict.

Tips for Co-Parenting

Some tips that parents may find helpful during and after divorce include: 

• Be consistent. Offer your child a consistent schedule with consistent rules with each parent.
• Lead by example. Cooperate and work with your ex in an amiable way. This sets a good example for your child’s future behavior.
• Don’t involve your child in conflicts. Avoid using your child as a messenger, don’t talk about your ex in a bad way, and don’t involve a child in any arguments or disagreements.
• Don’t force your child to choose. Your child should have a healthy relationship with both you and your ex. Don’t ask him or her to choose one over the other in any situation.
• Be businesslike. Approach your relationship in a businesslike fashion. Don’t bring personal matters or hurt feelings into your co-parenting.
• Respect their rules. Always respect the rules of your ex’s household. Even if they’re different from yours, your child needs to abide by those rules when in his or her care.
• Be responsible. Stick to your parenting plan and follow the care schedule you and your former spouse set out.
• Keep them informed. Even if you have primary care of your child, make efforts to keep your ex in the loop. Tell him or her about changes or updates in your child’s education, social life, health and more.

For more information, see Parenting Plans in Tennessee.

If you’re going through a divorce or seeking custody of your child, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Census, in 2009, more than 13 million parents had custody of a child under 21 while a former spouse lived elsewhere. Call 901-683-1850 to speak to the divorce attorneys at Miles Mason Family Law Group about your divorce today. We can assist you and provide tips in creating a co-parenting plan and with other aspects of the divorce process.