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Helpful tips on co-parenting during this time:
1. Honesty and vulnerability go hand in hand. Don't be afraid to express concern for the safety of your children, but do so with mutual respect, not ulterior motives. Have reasonable discussions surrounding what is truly in the best interest, for the health and well-being of your children, and families.
2. Practice give and take. If you can come to a fair agreement and pivot during this time, start by putting your temporary agreement in writing; by email, text, written and notarized documentation, whatever that may be, but agree to be fair, and follow through when the time comes.
3. Explain your agreement to the children, together. Set up a video chat, a call on speaker, or by practicing social distancing. Your children deserve to hear from both sides in unison. It's better to establish trust in this ever changing time. Your children are going through their own insecurities. Honesty is the best policy in this situation.
4. Allow your child to express themselves. This is not only hard for you, but also your child. What used to be a routine, is now a scramble for making the best out of this new normal. If your child wishes to communicate with the other parent during the time they were supposed to be with them, let them. Allow your child to express their feelings and give them room to make their own adjustments.
5. Make memories, not molehills. Start a family journal. Include pictures, have them write their feelings and record this somewhere safe to look back on, in the future. Share some data with the other parent. Include the other parent in how your child feels. Two households is difficult enough for the child, bridge this gap by allowing the other parent to help. Make the best of this time you get to have with them.
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