How Should You Deal With Stress From A Co-parent?

After a divorce, you may notice yourself feeling more stressed or overwhelmed when dealing with your co-parent. This may come in the form of avoiding conversations or getting into fights about minor details.

Learning about how to handle high-conflict custody situations and deal with stress can help you set important boundaries.

Communicate Clearly

According to Psychology Today, one way to avoid negative emotions and tough situations is to diffuse potential arguments by being direct when speaking to your co-parent. Do not try to change the subject or add in jokes, but make your point in a respectful and clear way.

Being too detailed or open about your personal life can lead to more arguments. Stick to important topics like childcare or discussing your parenting plan.

Use Technology Wisely

While you may think talking in person is the best way to communicate, you can actually reduce the amount of stress you feel talking to your co-parent by using email or texts. Written communication is easy to edit for tone, which can help you stick to the facts while writing a message.

Setting times for when your co-parent can contact you can also help prevent endless calls and texts. Being clear about your boundaries and when you are available is one way to reduce your stress as time goes on.

Let The Small Issues Go

While it may seem tempting to bring up old problems or disagreements if the opportunity arises, learning to ignore small issues that do not harm your children can help you. Being professional in your interactions with your co-parent is the best way to stay collected while taking care of your children.