Working Together as a Separated Family

Working together as a family after a separation is never easy. It may seem impossible, and it will be difficult to put aside any feelings at first. You experience a loss when a relationship ends and your child also feels this loss too. Family life as they know it has gone, and it will take some time for them to adjust to the changes.

If you and their other parent can work together wherever possible, it can help them get used to this new normal. Children will pick up on any negative emotions between you and your former partner, which may cause them some anxiety. It’s best if they aren’t caught in the middle of any conflict.

The most important thing to remember when starting to work together as a separated family is for both you and your former partner to keep in mind that you both have your child’s best interests at heart. Although your romantic relationship has stopped, your parenting one needs to continue where possible.

How to communicate with your co-parent

Though it may be particularly difficult at the start, try to keep lines of communication open and consistent. It helps show your child that the family can still work together even though you’re living apart.

Discuss any important decisions that need to be made with your co-parent to avoid any potential conflicts in front of your child. There will naturally be times when you disagree with each other. Be open with each other about how you feel. Try to see things from your former partner’s point of view and empathise with them. Find common ground and negotiate until you both feel happy with a decision.