Tips for Effective Co-Parent Communication By Dr Grace Graham

Introduction• For over two decades, Dr. Grace Graham has operated a

clinical psychology practice. As a practicing psychologist, Dr. Grace Graham has worked with patients of all ages with mood and personality disorders. Through her work, she has provided counseling for parents, blended families, and teenagers to help strengthen familial bonds and improve communication between caregivers and their children. Following are some helpful tips for co-parenting in blended families and family units with separated parents.

While co-parenting can be difficult between separated parents, it is essential for monitoring the well-being of the children. Focusing on open communication between parents and caregivers is important to establish consistency in their parenting.

Co-Parent Communication• Psychology Today recommends establishing a commitment to co-

parenting through an agreed-upon medium.

If the parents and caregivers do not wish to communicate face to face, relaying information about children’s schedules, school progress, and other relevant updates can be done through e-mail and text messages. Coordinating schedules can be done through shared calendar applications or through web-based accounts like Google mail.

In addition to open dialogue and regular communication, consistency is very important. What is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior should be consistent in all households where the children reside. When communicating with ex-partners, it is important to maintain a business-like tone and keep the focus on the children rather than on past issues between partners and spouses.