After going through a divorce, the last thing you likely want to do is deal with your co-parent one-on-one. You may feel like sharing custody is a surefire way to end up in that exact situation, and as such, it might concern you.
Fortunately, there are ways you and your co-parent can effectively work together while also keeping in minimal contact with one another.
Communicating through text only
Psychology Today takes a look at one option: parallel parenting. As mentioned, this allows you to work together as co-parents while also minimizing your direct contact, i.e. face-to-face interactions.
Parallel parenting instead relies on communication through text. This includes phone texts, emails, and other messaging systems. Many people also keep a notebook that they send back and forward with their child, in which they record the details of the visitation for the other parent to read.
The benefits for parents and children
This allows both parents to keep up to date with their child’s daily life while simultaneously avoiding having to speak with or see one another. For many parents, the lack of direct contact is enough to help smooth over any potential snags in communication. Keeping things text-based also allows for both parties to step back from the situation if necessary, which gives you the time and space you need to speak without letting anger, stress and frustration take hold.
Parallel parenting does not serve as a permanent solution, but it can help get the ball rolling. Consider speaking with legal aid to see if this option will serve your needs, and whether or not you can work it into your lifestyle.
