Our 5 top co-parenting tips for busy families
Learn how to make co-parenting a breeze using a co-parenting scheduling app like Goldee.
Photo by Kelli McClintock at Unplash
In 2023, 48,700 divorces were granted in Australia. Although the statistics for divorces with children under 18 are decreasing, if just 50% of those partnerships had children, that’s 48,700 individuals learning how to co-parent. We take our hats off if you’re one of those brave new co-parents. Single parents take on a lot – even if it’s under a one-week-on, one-week-off arrangement. A recent study from Ana Weeks at the University of Bath and Leah Ruppanner at the University of Melbourne showed that single mothers and fathers took on more of the 21 cognitive labour tasks – ranging from cleaning to scheduling, maintenance to meal planning – and more.
Separating or divorcing when kids are involved is an emotional journey for all involved and can be tricky to navigate, even for the most amicable couples. One of the biggest challenges of co-parenting is retaining a sense of normalcy for the kids, which requires additional communication and the right tools.
Developing supportive co-parenting practices
Finding a co-parenting calendar app that helps streamline communication, decision-making, and calendaring can alleviate and avoid issues. Here are a few ways you can work on supportive co-parenting practices:
1.Be kind
Be kind to yourself. Learning to co-parent is hard, no matter your previous relationship with your ex. Be kind to yourself and each other (where possible!). It’s hard to be amicable if you feel one side is letting down the team, but try to stay optimistic – co-parenting can and does work successfully. We’re not for toxic positivity over here – sometimes life just plain sucks. If you’re feeling down, find the right support through friends and family and additional resources such as online therapy and local services. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Beyond Blue or Lifeline.
2. Find flexibility
Now that the children have two homes to go to, possibly separate holidays, events, and other commitments, flexibility is more important than ever. Be prepared for time changes and a lot of communication around dates. A co-parenting scheduling app will help to keep you both honest and accountable with planning.
3. Get organised
Keeping a shared calendar and schedule of the kids' activities is helpful as you and your ex build more independent lives. A co-parenting app like Goldee will make your lives so much easier. It’ll help you manage daily activities, kid-related emails, and group chats – and save you time (and frustration).
4. Learn about communication styles
Communication is your No.1 compadre throughout the co-parenting journey. Try to learn more about the styles of communication you prefer. If the relationship is still amicable, in-person and phone catch-ups might work weekly, or email can help to keep track of meaningful conversations. Whatever your style, communicate it early to help make the transition as seamless as possible.
5. Lean on friends and family
As you move towards a successful and positive co-parenting strategy, it might be helpful for consistency for you and your ex to bring in familiar faces to help with care. Having friends and family around will help maintain positive relationships, which is critical in fostering an environment where your kids feel safe, protected, and happy.
Change can be tricky. Especially when complicated emotions are involved. But if we can communicate clearly and consistently, we can prevent so much misunderstanding and angst. That’s our hope for Goldee. That we can get everyone feeling supported and in harmony – no matter what your family looks like.
