Co-parenting Communication Tips

After a contentious divorce, talking with your ex may be the last thing you want to do. But you need to establish some sort of co-parenting communication that works for you. If you find conversations with your ex getting out of hand, the following article can help you establish boundaries to reduce the conflict. 

The Importance of Boundaries in Co-parent Communication 

What to do when there is abuse, harassment or threats

By Bianca Schroetlin, Co-parent and Creator of Peaceful Parent Messenger

Communication Is Essential

After divorce, the family still exists but it looks different. There are now two separate households and the focus is no longer on the marriage but should be solely focused on the children. Communication is the only way co-parents can align together to best care for, support, and respect their children. Good co-parenting communication can go a long way at honoring the child’s experience and giving children the best possible chance at surviving the challenges of divorce well.  

Boundaries in Co-Parenting Communication

Woman talking to angry ex on the phone who needs to establish boundaries in their co-parenting communication

Communication challenges between co-parents are not uncommon. Sometimes ex-spouses are argumentative and want to continue arguments from years past. Other times, one co-parent abuses, threatens or harasses the other co-parent. This is where communication boundaries need to be established. Boundaries are essential to healthy relationships. They tell people in our life how we want to be treated and what we find unacceptable. How are people aware of your boundaries? Through time, what you allow and what you do not allow becomes clear. You may also need to tell someone directly: “you’ve crossed a boundary.”    

Emotionally healthy people respect your boundaries but those with difficult personalities or toxic behavior will not and can send you into a tailspin with their lack of respect and care. This is why it is essential to set clear boundaries for your own mental health and the happiness of your children. 

Co-parenting communication should be:

  • Short (less is more)
  • To the point and business-like
  • Cordial Firm (may need a deadline date) 

Example:

I’d like to take Johnny to a baseball game that’s only happening on Friday night. Can I swap Friday for Saturday so that we are able to go together? Please let me know by Wednesday at 5pm so I have time to buy tickets. Thank you. 

What are your boundaries? Chances are you know when they’ve been crossed because it doesn’t feel right or may be downright maddening for you. Don’t ignore those feelings but do something about it and be clear with your co-parent about your boundaries. In addition, be consistent with your boundaries for the best results.

Communication Provisions 

Your parenting plan can include specific provisions related to communication between parents, including but not limited to:  

Agreement to Communicate - Agreement to communicate about issues related to school, health and well-being.  

Communication Tools - Agreement to use one or more communication channels: 

  • Email
  • Mobile Texting
  • Telephone Calls
  • Co-parenting Communication App such as Peaceful Parent Messenger  

Communicate Directly with Each Other - Agree to communicate directly with each other on matters concerning the children. Never use the children to relay a message to the other co-parent.

Documenting Inappropriate Communication

You may need to consider keeping a record of communication if there is a pattern of abusive messages. The documentation can be used in court to prove an allegation of communication that is inappropriate and hurtful to your ability to co-parent well together.   

Each co-parenting relationship is different so consulting with an attorney as to how much communication to collect and which messages to include is a good idea.

How to Set Communication Boundaries

If you’re receiving unwanted abusive messages from your co-parent:

  1. Use only one communication tool that is easy and court admissible. You may need to block emails and phone calls.
  2. Document all co-parenting communication using just one method.
  3. Set boundaries using verbal instruction (i.e. “Please only discuss child related matters in your messages to me.”) and/or digital tools such as Peaceful Parent Messenger. 

Peaceful Parent Messenger allows you to:

  • Limit message length: 50 characters or less
  • Establish a waiting period between messages to diffuse a heated exchange
  • Utilize and customize pre-written messages 
  • Set the time of day you want to receive messages
  • Limit the number of messages per day
  • Generate communication reports for court-admissible use
  • See when messages are sent and viewed by your co-parent 

Keep Your Side of the Street Clean 

It’s extremely difficult to stay calm and unemotional when you’re on the receiving end of nasty messages from your co-parent. Keep in mind that you will be documenting your responses as well. Try to be a role model of good behavior and treat your co-parent the way you want to be treated.  

Wishing you peace, harmony and rock-solid boundaries!  

Resources: 

Bianca Schroetlin is the mother of two children and the creator of Peaceful Parent Messenger, a co-parent communication tool for iPhone (and Android in the Fall of 2021). Bianca was inspired by her difficult co-parenting journey and decided to create Peaceful Parent Messenger to help co-parents with the ability to set communication boundaries. Having been on the receiving end of nasty, inappropriate co-parent communication, Bianca designed Peaceful Parent Messenger to create more harmony and calm for co-parents. Bianca is a nurse and an entrepreneur who believes in creating the change you want to see in the world. :) 

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