In cooperative co-parenting, you and your co-parent work together, make decisions about your children, and focus on their happiness and safety. You may need some give and take to find what works for both of you. 

You may not always get along, but you are both willing to put your children first, and set aside your differences. Your children will grow up better through the effort you are both making for them.

Tips:

• Focus on your role as co-parents instead of ex-spouses. Work together to care for your children.
• Work out which way of communicating works best for both of you, for example, in person, text, calls or email. Keep conversations focused on your children.
  • Do not pass messages to your co-parent through your children. This can put your children in a difficult situation.
• Work out a co-parenting schedule. The more specific your schedule is, the easier it is to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Include your children’s activities, transport, and time with each parent.
• Be flexible where you can, for example, either parent can bring the children to the doctor when they are unwell, even if it is not during their scheduled time with the children.
• Talk to your children about what is happening in a way they can understand. This helps them feel less worried.
• Use similar rules in both homes, for example, mealtimes, curfews, bedtimes and homework. This let your children know what to expect and reduces confusion.

If you feel you need more support, you can find professional help for yourself or your children.