In Tennessee, breaking up with your spouse is hard, but it can be even more complicated when there are kids involved. So how do you communicate with your ex-spouse when things get tough? To keep the lines of communication as open as possible, you and your ex-spouse must maintain a respectful and civil attitude, place the children’s needs first, communicate regularly and not use the children as messengers.
Be as respectful and civil as possible
In a divorce, many couples can disagree on many things – from who gets the house to how much time each parent spends with the kids. But no matter how much you disagree with your ex, it’s important to remain respectful and civil. Being civil can be difficult, especially if there is a lot of anger and hurt, but it’s important to remember that you’re still co-parenting together. You may not be married anymore, but you’ll still need to communicate and work together for the sake of your children.
Put the kids first
If you have children, it’s important to remember that they should always come first. Placing the children’s needs first means that you shouldn’t use them as a way to get back at your ex during the divorce. It can be tempting to do things like withhold visitation or try to turn the kids against your ex and use your children as messengers to avoid speaking to your ex-spouse, but this will only hurt them in the long run. Instead, try to put your differences aside and focus on what’s best for the kids.
Communicate regularly
After the divorce is final, it’s important to stay in communication with your ex-spouse. Communication doesn’t mean you need to be best friends, but you should keep the communication lines open. Being open and available will make it easier to discuss important things, like child custody and visitation schedules. Also, if there are any changes in your life, like a new job or a move, be sure to let your ex know so that they can make the necessary arrangements.
In the end, communication is critical. Whether you’re communicating during the divorce or after, remember to be respectful, share and put the kids first. Doing this can make the process a lot easier for everyone involved.
