Divorced Co-parenting (or Separated)

Divorced co-parenting or separated co-parenting, if you and your ex-spouse don't have a amicable relationship, can be a real problem. (You already know this if you are in this situation.) Being able to co-parent your teen is really important. Try to work something out.

I have parents that are still at war many years after the divorce. I can tell you from many years of experience that turning their troubled teen around is much more difficult in this situation. The teen will often play one parent against the other (splitting).

If this is your situation, please get therapy. And if your therapist and you spend most of your time with you venting about how terrible your ex is, then you need to get another therapist. One that will really help you. (Yes, I see this a lot.) You need to focus on YOUR issues, not your spouses--or even your troubled teen if it is therapy for you.

Divorced co-parenting can be difficult, but it is doable, and is very important for your teen.

The same principles discussed in Co-parenting hold. It is important that you two, as the parents, are on the same page in terms of rules, consequences, and parental philosophy.

Parenting Basics Index:

Top Horse: Who's the Parent?
Walk Your Talk
Consistency
Co-Parenting
Divorced or Separated Co-Parenting
Single Parenting
Assertiveness
Feeling Safe
Because I Say So
Accountability
Communication: basic listening skills
Communication: non-verbals
Being Real and Authentic