Text messages, emails and shared schedules can make it easier for you to manage co-parenting after divorce. By putting these modern technologies to work, you and your former partner can provide the best possible support for your children.
Sharing Your Schedules
Shared calendars are a great way to manage appointments, custody arrangements and other schedule changes. Finding an application that works for you and your former spouse can be tricky. Some apps are designed specifically for co-parenting and may require a monthly fee for use, which may be challenging to maintain if on a tight budget after your divorce. Free scheduling software can help you avoid this issue. It may, however, lack the features and functionality of more expensive options. Regardless of the calendar software you choose, both you and your former partner should commit to updating your schedules with any new information to ensure the most accurate exchange of information as you take on the challenges of co-parenting after divorce.
Taking on Texting
Texting your former spouse or partner should be handled with care. In some cases, the messages you send may be misinterpreted or read in a tone that was not what you initially intended. While these rapid methods of communication are often useful in letting your former partner know about delays or problems as they arise, be careful of the phrasing and tone of your messages when sending text messages to your former partner.
Navigating Social Media
Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are sometimes used as ways for families to stay in touch. These sites can be an excellent way to share photos from important events and activities that the other parent may miss out on such as the first day of school, birthday celebrations and holiday festivities. Another helpful feature that can be used on Facebook is the “check-in” feature, which can help keep co-parents updated on the whereabouts of their child when they are not in their custody.
Managing Stress
Because emails and texts do not require you to meet with your former spouse personally, they can eliminate some of the stress associated with face-to-face encounters. This can allow you to reduce the anxiety and worry that can sometimes accompany direct confrontations or conversations. As your children grow up, you can also provide them with mobile devices that enable you to contact them directly rather than going through your former spouse for every minor issue that arises.
Emailing Your Co-Parent
Email communications can allow you to provide detailed information and keep your child’s other parent in the loop regarding school events, family outings and other activities. Forwarding emails from school or family members to your former partner can help them plan more effectively for these events. Email communications should not be used to air grievances that can cause hard feelings between you and your former spouse. Instead, save your emails for information to ensure the best possible cooperation between you and your co-parent. Avoiding unpleasant confrontations can help you maintain a good working relationship throughout your co-parenting activities.
Implementing the most practical technologies can help you and your former spouse navigate the challenges of co-parenting after divorce. This can help you provide the right support for your children while ensuring the best and most practical cooperation and collaboration between you and your co-parent. By working together, you can present a united front when dealing with issues related to your children and can help them grow into well-adjusted and emotionally healthy adults.