Co-parenting is rarely easy, even for a happily married couple. For separated co-parents the trials of day-to-day parenting can become fraught with unnecessary conflict, particularly when there is a break-down in communication.
Looking at ways to help communication is an obvious solution that will help both parents and their children ease into their new routines.
A Communication Book or Communication Apps are helpful tools that todays separated co-parents can utilise to manage their primary role of looking after their mutual children, whilst keeping each other informed in a low-conflict, minimal contact way.
Related Article: The Do’s and Don’ts of Successful Parenting
“A communication book can be a device for separated parents to keep communication between them short and to the point. Parents can choose to use a communication book or a court may order them to use it, particularly if the parents seem unable to communicate with each other.”[1]
The communication book or communication App is used between parents to document matters which they wish to raise with the other to ensure that they are both co-parenting effectively.
What is included in the book or app is up to the co-parents, however common communication includes;
- Medication updates
- Sickness updates
- General health issues
- School projects
- Upcoming social events
- Extracurricular activities
- Requests to change any parenting times / change a scheduled change over time
Other communication could include more broad information that the other parent might find of interest. For example;
- Activities the children have enjoyed
- School awards
- Updates on developmental progress
- Changes in food, toy, clothing preferences of the child
There are several Apps that can help co-parents communicate like a physical communication book, however in the convince of an App. Examples include;
When a communication book or communication App is used effectively and in the method intended, then they can be a very successful tool to help parents communicate with one another especially if other communication channels have been unsuccessful in the past.
Note: This is general information advice only and does not constitute specific legal advice. If you would like further information in relation to this matter or other legal matters, please contact us on 03 9620 0088 or email info@resolveconflict.com.au
[1] Thistleton T, ‘How to Streamline Your Co-Parenting Communication’, Motherly, viewed 16 May 2018, https://www.mother.ly/parenting/how-to-streamline-your-co-parenting-communication
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