For many, working together with your ex-spouse can be a challenge. Avoidance, anger, sadness, and anxiety are common feelings that may arise even at the thought of continuing communication. While it can be difficult to work together, it is important to do so for the child.
I recently met with Jennifer Safian, a Divorce and Family Mediator located in New York City. Jennifer helps parents work as a team to make decisions together in a supportive environment. Jennifer understands the needs of both parent and child and has given me permission to share a blog post recently written on the topic:
“Cooperating with your ex for the sake of your children can seem overwhelming in the early stages of the divorce. Try to put aside your relationship issues, your hurt and your anger towards one another and put your children’s needs first. Your marriage may be over but your family is not and your children need to know and feel that you will both continue to love them and be there for them despite the break up.
Peaceful, consistent, and purposeful communication between parents is essential to the success of co-parenting. You may think about your dealings as a business partnership where your “business” is your children’s well-being. Communicate as you would a colleague—with cordiality, respect, and neutrality.
As a parent, there are many steps that you can take to help your children cope with the effects of separation and divorce, with appropriate adjustments dependent on the children’ ages.”
To learn more about the steps Jennifer suggests you take in helping your child cope with separation and divorce, visit her blog post at http://safianmediation.com/being-a-parent-post-divorce/
Jennifer Safian is a seasoned Divorce and Family Mediator. She is an Accredited Mediator by NYSCDM (New York State Council Divorce Mediation) and has worked extensively as a mediator in the New York City Family Courts. Her office is located in Manhattan. She can be reached at (212) 472-8626 or through her website: SafianMediation.com.