When parents split, children can feel like their lives are out of control. You can help your kids feel a sense of normalcy by creating consistency between your household and that of your former spouse.
Here are a few tips for bringing some consistency back to your children’s lives.
Prioritize communication
Though getting along with your ex may be difficult, maintaining open lines of communication is key to ensuring that you both are on the same page in regard to your kids. Remember that though you are no longer romantic partners, you are still partners in raising your children.
Stick to the parenting schedule
Even when your lives get hectic, you must follow the schedule that you and your former spouse agreed on. This will help to eliminate your children’s uncertainty about which home they will be at and when.
Have the same rules
You and your parenting partner should set expectations regarding your children’s behavior and maintain those expectations in both households. For example, if you set a limit on daily screen time, each parent should enforce that rule. Additionally, you should use the same consequences. If one parent takes away privileges for bad behavior, the other parent should respect that decision when the child is at their home.
Focus on routines
Establishing daily routines is essential to bringing order to any child’s day but is especially important for children with separated or divorced parents. Make sure both households follow a consistent morning and evening routine and set a regular bedtime.
Not all couples can get along in the ways necessary to maintain the same expectations, routines and schedule. If you find yourself in such a scenario, you can still create consistency in your own household and provide your kids with some certainty in their lives.