When dealing with your ex-spouse, you may worry about how this strenuous relationship will start to affect your children and your custody arrangement.
Staying respectful and keeping an open line of communication are just two of the ways you can improve how you co-parent.
Have a positive attitude
According to Psychology Today, one issue many people have trouble with is staying positive toward their difficult ex-spouses. Badmouthing him or her or gossiping to your children about private problems can fracture your relationship and cause future issues.
Instead of taking your frustrations out on your ex-spouse, find another outlet. Pursuing stress-relieving hobbies, such as exercising or creating art, can help you avoid this problem. Make sure to speak respectfully about your ex-spouse in front of your children even when you are angry.
Seek out support systems
Discussing problems with friends or family can help you get a new perspective on personal issues that are worrying you. Reaching out to your social support system when you feel overwhelmed can help you avoid making impulsive decisions.
These support systems could range from informal ones to more formal types, such as visiting a therapist or discussing custody problems with a neutral third party.
Take care of yourself
Making sure to eat right and exercise regularly, as well as getting a good night’s sleep, can help you stay alert and deal with any anxiety you feel when talking to your ex-spouse. Taking steps to create a routine for yourself can help you adopt these habits. Co-parenting can be a major source of stress in a person’s life, so taking steps to minimize that stress can help you feel better.