We do our best to raise our kids well: to teach them right, to give them opportunities we did not have, and to examine what our parents did right and wrong in trying to do better. The lessons you impart upon your children are based on both your words and on your actions, in good times and in bad. A separation or divorce is a unique time of struggle and adversity in your life and your child’s life. What you do in the face of this struggle matters a great deal, because your children are watching.
Whether they want to or not, children tend to model what they are taught when it comes to relationships. By the time your relationship with the other parent has ended, children have already seen and heard arguments and decisions that you would probably like to take back. This is why it is critical to co-parent with class, to help teach your children to meet adversity with grace and maturity.
- Stick to your side of the agreement or custody order. There are negative legal consequences for violating a court order. And from the standpoint of your child, this order exists to create stability and to minimize conflicts between parents.
- Don’t disparage the other parent in front of the child. It is in children’s best interest to have a healthy relationship with both parents. It does no good to try to convince your child not to like their other parent.
- If there is room to praise the other parent, take it. You are forever linked to your child’s other parent. Acknowledging this and striving to be an amicable co-parent will teach your child how to move past relational conflicts healthily.
- Keep your communication productive and civil. To the extent that you have direct communication with the other parent, make sure not to fall into the relational traps that doomed your relationship.
- Resolve disputes with respect. Disputes naturally arise when it comes to parenting decisions, visitation, and access. Try to be clear and direct in your communication with the other parent. If you cannot peaceably resolve these disputes yourselves, then contact an attorney to enforce or modify the order.
- Never resort to violence or harassment. It should go without saying that violence and harassment between parents pose emotional and physical harm to children. Demonstrating violence teaches children that this behavior is part of a relationship—which can set children up for violent relationships.
Family Attorneys at Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P.
Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman, L.L.P. provides top class family law representation to individuals who want to end their marriage of resolve a child custody dispute. Our attorneys are smart, thoughtful, and effective professionals who will fight for your parental rights. Contact Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. at (775) 227-2280 to schedule a consultation or contact our office through our website.