Communicating with Your Ex
If you are co-parenting after a divorce, communication with your ex is going to be a necessary part of raising your family. Many people had communication issues during the marriage and will still feel those same frustrations in the discussions they have with their exes. Remember when you are talking to your ex that you are communicating to help your children. It is important to maintain calm and focus on conflict-free communication.
We love this helpful list from the HelpGuide on how you can initiate and maintain effective communication:
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- Use a business-like tone. Mentally try to look at your relationship with your ex-spouse as a business partnership and your “business” is ensuring the children’s well-being. So, in all your communications treat them as you would a work colleague.
- Ask, don’t tell. Instead of telling your ex what you want, which when emotions are running high, can be construed as a demand, try rephrasing as much as you can as a question like, “Are you open to trying…?” or “Would you be willing to…?”