by Beth M. Karassik, Ph.D.
Effective co-parenting can be a challenge in any divorce. Sometimes co-parenting is difficult simply because of structural, scheduling issues. Often it is difficult because of lingering hurt, anger, and resentments – conflict in your personal relationship that persist after the divorce and interfere in your parenting relationship. Co-parenting well really takes being an adult. While “adulting” is required, maybe we can return to earlier, easier times to provide some comfort.
Here are my ABCs to provide a solid foundation for ongoing co-parenting. Some are ways of being, qualities to bring to yourself and your interactions, and some are things to have.
Accepting
Benevolent
Cooperative
Decent
Empathic
Flexible
Goodwill
Humor
Integrity
Just
Kindhearted
Listen
Magnanimous
Neighborly
Organized approach
Partner
Quiet
Role-Model
Satisfied
Tolerant
Understanding
Value the other’s role
Willing
Xenial (constituting hospitality)
Yielding, at times
Zest
Remembering the whole alphabet is unlikely, so simply start with the ABC of being
Accepting, Benevolent, and Cooperative.
What else can you think of? Share your ideas with us in the Comments below.
Beth M. Karassik, PhD. pursued training in Mediation and interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice after her own divorce. She works with couples and families going through this life transition so you can do it better than she did. And your children can have less of the discomfort that her sons might have experienced. Beth is committed to supporting individuals and families in creating new possibilities for their futures and transforming their lives in ways that align with their happiness and best interests. Her training and experience in clinical and forensic psychology and neuropsychology provide understanding of what drives, motivates and sustains human behavior. Especially during stressful and scary times. She is co-President of DSC, on the board of the CT Council for Non-adversarial Divorce (CCND), and co-Chair of its Professional Development Committee.
drkarassik@clinicalneuropsych.com
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