How Mediation Rebuilds the Foundation of your Co-Parenting Relationship
Imagine the big moments in your children’s lives. Imagine them graduating, getting their driver’s license, getting into post-secondary, going to prom, moving out, meeting their future spouses, getting married, the birth of your grandchildren, and more!
It’s exciting isn’t it? You can see them thriving in your imagination! Now imagine how stressful it would be for them to balance the wants and needs of their divorced parents, (who haven’t spoken to each other in years), during these milestone events. That level of parental conflict will lead them to worry about how their parents will handle being in the same room, instead of focusing on the joy of their accomplishments!
Remember, these are all major milestones that your child or children will want both of their parents to attend. It is in their best interests to have both of their parents present. So how will you handle seeing your ex-spouse at these events? What if you have to sit next to them at the same table?
With time and mutual work, you and your ex-spouse can side-step this awkwardness by maintaining a good co-parenting relationship. The unfortunate reality is that it will take time to establish a co-parenting relationship. The good news is that working together to raise the kids is your chance to raise well-adjusted, happy adults!
Though you may not be ready to think about these future events, when your children are older, they will appreciate the peace that the two of you have cultivated over time! No, you don’t need to be friends with your ex-spouse, but you do need to be civil for the sake of your kids (and your future self).
How can Mediation help? The best place to build a better co-parenting relationship is in mediation! This is because Mediation is the first opportunity for you and your ex-spouse to meet on even footing, in a neutral space, with a Mediator who is supporting both parties’ journey to consensus. Mediation is the place where you get to negotiate and discuss how you will successfully parent together! When you take the time to work out these details in mediation, you are showing your children how you are putting them first.
For example, in mediation parents can discuss vacation planning and summer parenting schedules. They then get to tell their kids about the exciting summer plans that both parents signed off on together. By doing this, parents are showing the kids how to be resilient during times of emotional strife. The kids now understand that despite their parent’s divorce, they are still a priority in both parents’ eyes; and that family is still family despite living separately. This feeling of peace and collaboration can be cultivated with a Mediator guiding the negotiation sessions.
Curious to learn more about Family Law Mediation and how it can help you finalize your divorce? Book your FREE consultation today at (647) 482-4987 or info@ERFmediation.ca
