7 Keys to Successful Co-Parenting
1. Put Children First
Keep decisions focused on your children's needs rather than on conflict between parents. When safe and appropriate, children benefit from stability and meaningful parent-child relationships.
2. Maintain Respectful Communication
Keep conversations focused on parenting. Use email or co-parenting apps for clarity. Avoid criticism and negativity about the other parent.
3. Create Consistent Routines
Establish clear parenting-time schedules, exchange expectations, and communication routines. Consistency can help children feel more secure and reduce confusion.
4. Never Disparage the Other Parent
Children benefit from respecting both parents. Avoid criticizing your ex-partner, especially to your children. Model healthy boundaries.
5. Support Your Children's Relationship
When safe and appropriate, encourage your children to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents. Keep adult conflict separate from the child's relationship with each parent.
6. Flexibility and Understanding
Life happens. Be willing to adjust schedules when needed for your children's benefit. Show grace and cooperation with your co-parent.
7. Seek Professional Support
Family counseling or co-parenting classes can help. Mediation can resolve ongoing conflicts. Support your children through the transition.
Support Your Family's Success
Let us help you discuss parenting expectations, communication, and practical next steps.
Important Disclaimer: This framework is general information only, not legal advice, therapy, custody advice, or parenting advice for your specific family. Safety concerns, abuse, coercion, or urgent parenting issues should be discussed with an attorney, therapist, court resource, or appropriate professional.
Next steps
If you are past reading and closer to deciding, these are the pages worth your time.
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Prep tools
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Digital download
$39
Mediation-Ready Divorce Prep Workbook
A fillable PDF workbook plus a companion spreadsheet for getting ready for mediation.
- All six big issues, one at a time
- A balance sheet that adds itself up
- One purchase covers a copy for each spouse
$39, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Digital download
$19
The Co-parent Message Kit
Before-and-after message scripts for scheduling, money, and kid logistics.
- Nine before-and-after scripts
- A plan for hot messages
- A 7-day plan, one small move a day
$19, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Digital download
$29
Two-Home Calendar and Expense Template
A spreadsheet for life in two homes, for Excel or Google Sheets.
- 12-month shared calendar
- Holiday rotation
- Shared expense split tracker
$29, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
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How a Prepared Mediation Works (Free Video Course)
A short free video course on how divorce mediation works, from Flannel People Mediation.
- Six short videos
- Watch at your own pace
- Free on Gumroad
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