It is an unfortunate reality. Some parents are unable or unwilling to put aside their anger and animosity toward the other parent. This, of course, makes co-parenting difficult.
Here are some tips for co-parenting with a jerk:
Tips for Co-Parenting With a Jerk – Circle of Moms
A few points:
1. Family Courts in Connecticut have the authority to order parents to participate in co-parenting counseling. To be clear, this is not marital therapy or some other form of counseling to “get the parents back together.” Instead, this type of counseling focuses on parents working together for the betterment of their children. This type of counseling may be beneficial when communication and decision making between the parents is non-existent or antagonistic. Typical areas that are covered include conflict management, dispute resolution and effective means of communication.
2. If your ex fails to follow the court orders a Motion for Modification can be filed requesting that a judge change certain aspects of the Parenting Plan including custody, visitation and decision making. For example, rather than subjecting the child to disappointment when a parent fails to show up for a visit or tying the child to a schedule that no longer makes sense, parents should consider bringing the case back to court to adjust matters accordingly. The standard for such a modification is “best interest of the child.”
Caution – Do not unilaterally change court orders!
3. Even though I referenced an article from “Circle of Moms” this is no way means that fathers are more apt to engage in negative co-parenting behavior. Gender has no bearing on one’s effectiveness as a parent or ability to co-parent cooperatively.