It is no secret that divorce can be quite difficult for children. In many cases, a child may assume he or she is to blame for what happened, and there may be distress over disruptions to his or her relationship with parents. These are a few of the reasons Nebraska parents choose a joint custody arrangement. While co-parenting is good for the kids, parents have to be intentional about not only making this work but making it work well.
Kids first
The key to making a co-parenting arrangement work well is to keep the children as the main priority. When the focus is on the kids, it is easier to make co-parenting work smoothly and effectively. Other secrets to making joint custody easier include:
- Resolve to communicate well, often and clearly
- Establish boundaries so each parent can have a sense of privacy
- Be sensitive to financial differences between homes and new challenges brought by divorce
- Be respectful when it is the other parent’s turn with the children
- Be clear about major life updates, especially those that may affect the children
- Seek professional help or counseling if it’s needed
With a few goals shared between two committed parents, it’s possible to provide children with security and stability for years to come.
Help with a custody arrangement
Nebraska parents who are going through a divorce may benefit from a co-parenting arrangement. However, it is beneficial to seek professional guidance when creating a custody plan. A carefully and thoughtfully drafted order can make a significant difference in how well a joint custody order works over time.