One issue Florida parents must deal with when co-parenting after they have divorced is how to handle different rules for different households. In general, parents should attempt to be consistent with one another. There are several things they can do to try to reach this.
Parents should sit down with one another and discuss the issues. They should bring a sense of flexibility to this meeting and prioritize the child’s well-being. If children are old enough, parents might want to involve them as well. An example of an issue parents may disagree on is bedtime. A child might act as a tiebreaker if parents cannot reach an agreement. In some cases, a parenting class might help. Most family law courts offer parenting classes, or a therapist might recommend one. Parenting classes may be conducted in different ways, but they might give parents a sense of norms as they struggle to make rules for their two households.
Mediation is another option for parents who cannot reach a compromise. A mediator is unbiased and tries to help parents reach a solution that suits them both. As a last resort, parents can also try going to court. This carries risk since the parent may be unhappy with the judge’s decision, and it is better if parents can negotiate an agreement themselves.
Parents might be able to set the stage during the divorce for a strong co-parenting relationship. They can work out a parenting agreement that addresses areas of potential conflict and provides a framework for resolving disputes. Parents should also keep the best interests of the children in mind when they are negotiating child custody and visitation. Usually, time with both parents gives children a greater sense of stability and makes the adjustment after the divorce less difficult.
