When you and your ex-husband split up, joint custody might follow. This is something that can prove to be challenging, but this doesn’t mean it is impossible. There are ways that you can make joint custody work if you are willing to put forth a bit of work.
1. Put your child first
Don’t let your feelings rule what happens with your child. Put your child’s needs first so that you can give your child those necessities. You shouldn’t let what happened with you and your ex-husband get in the way of what happens with your child.
2. Let your child have a say
Your child has opinions, and those opinions matter. Your child should feel heard while you are going through anything that has to do with child custody. This is especially important if your child is a teen or old enough to make his or her feeling clear. When possible, try to act on what your child says.
3. Be realistic about the schedule
Don’t make promises or plans that you know you can’t keep in the child custody process. Your work schedule and any other factors that come into the picture should be considered when you are going through the process of figuring out the child custody agreement. You have to consider your ex-husband’s schedule, as well as your child’s schedules for school and extracurricular activities.
4. Watch what you say
Never say bad things about your ex-husband to your child or where your child can hear. Just because your marriage didn’t work doesn’t mean that your ex-husband is a bad parent. Instead, remember that your ex-husband is someone your child loves. Give him the respect that your child thinks he deserves, even if you don’t think he deserves it.
5. Communicate appropriately
Even though you aren’t married to your ex-husband any longer, you still have to communicate because you have a child together. You and your ex-husband will have to talk about your child’s schedule, various events regarding your child, your child’s education and anything else that has to do with your child. Medical visits and similar points are other things that you might have to talk about.
6. Review the arrangement
Review the agreement as your child grows and his or her needs change. You can modify child custody arrangements when the need arises. You and your ex can work together for this or you can go through another trial to get the order mo dified.