Most Georgia residents know an ugly divorce when they see one. Although this kind of deteriorating relationship is not surprising given the high emotions that come out during divorce, it almost always has a negative effect on children. Unfortunately, such conflict often continues even after parents settle on child custody.
As one of the most contentious and emotionally challenging parts of the divorce process, child custody identifies each parent's responsibilities and rights after the marriage has ended. Fortunately, more and more parents are choosing co-parenting or joint custody with their children's interests in mind, something courts have sought to do for decades.
Co-parenting actually helps a child adjust to the changes that follow from divorce, especially when parents learn to set aside resentment and anger and work to get along with each other for the sake of the child. There are three principal ways to do that.
First, honor any agreements about visitation you make. It shows respect for your ex and for yourself and gives your kids a good example of someone acting responsibly, which is something you probably want for your children.
Second, cut your ex some slack. Assume first that his or her motives are honorable even if you don't see that right away.
Third, when it comes to resolving the hardest issues with your former spouse, look for a solution that will have the best possible impact on your kids. That solution often actually becomes a win-win for both of you, something your children also will come to respect and hopefully embrace in their own lives.
Even though co-parenting can benefit a child, the process is rarely without some conflict. Parents who work at co-parenting usually come to see the value in setting aside their relatively insignificant personal issues in order to help their children find happiness.