Co-Parenting Tips for Raising Empowered Children

Divorce can be hard on children — and it’s important to provide love and support to your child as they go through the period of transitioning from a two-parent home to a one-parent household. Even though you no longer live with your spouse, it’s essential to work together as co-parents to ensure your children grow up with confidence and healthy self-esteem. By implementing a few simple co-parenting strategies, you can be certain you are raising children who will be empowered, well-rounded, and independent.

Establish a Routine

Children thrive on routine — not only do routines provide structure, but they also give a child a sense of control. When children know what to expect, they can feel more secure and are better able to cope with changes. While divorce can disrupt a child’s sense of what is normal, a routine can help them feel less overwhelmed and reduce their anxiety. Work with your co-parent to establish routines for each of your households. Agree on consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, and homework schedules to minimize your child’s confusion and provide a more stable environment.

Help Your Child Develop the Skills They Need to Solve Issues on Their Own

One of the most important things you can do as co-parents to raise empowered children is teach them the skills they need to solve issues on their own. Don’t give them the answers all the time or jump to solve their problems. Encourage your child to ask questions, promote critical thinking, and provide them with opportunities for exploration through play. You and your co-parent can set a good example by modeling active listening, mutual respect, and finding amicable solutions for any conflict you might face.

Encourage Your Child to Talk About Their Emotions

Encouraging your child to talk about their feelings promotes emotional intelligence and communication skills. It also contributes to their overall well-being and allows them to develop a stronger understanding of themselves and others. When children are able to articulate their emotions, they can better express their feelings in words and are less likely to engage in disruptive or negative behavior.

Create a Supportive Environment

When raising children as co-parents, it’s crucial to create a supportive environment to help them feel empowered. Here are some tips for creating an environment that will allow your child thrive:

• Maintain open lines of communication with your co-parent.
• Avoid speaking negatively about your co-parent.
• Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and help them navigate their emotions.
• Avoid involving your child in adult issues.
• Respect your co-parent’s boundaries.
• Focus on spending quality time with your child.
• Offer reassurance to your child that the divorce is not their fault.
• Take a unified parenting approach.
• Praise your child’s efforts and hard work, not just the results.
• Encourage your children to explore their interests and discover their passions.

When using these strategies, you can help ensure your child will face the transitional period with security and resilience to enhance their long-term well-being.

Empower Your Children with Responsibility

A key component of raising children who are empowered is teaching them responsibility. Give your child age-appropriate chores, teach them money management skills, and establish clear rules. Letting your children assist with tasks around the house can help them feel like they are making a valuable contribution. Use visual aids, such as chore checklists, to help younger children understand what is expected of them — and gradually increase your child’s responsibilities as they grow older.

Lead by Example

Children look to their parents as role models and guides. They observe how their parents do things, interact with each other, and take care of themselves. One of the best things you and your co-parent can do when raising children together is to lead by example. For instance, if you wish for your children to be kind and empathetic, demonstrate this behavior to others. If you want them to manage their emotions well, take control of your own. Be aware of how much time you spend on electronic devices if you want your children to be attentive. By showing your child good behavior and demonstrating healthy habits, you can help to instill these qualities in them as well.

Seek Professional Support When Necessary

Seeking professional support when you need it can play a critical role in raising empowered children. A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can help identify your child’s specific needs, whether they have learning difficulties, challenges with emotional regulation, or need assistance with developing their social skills. A professional can help parents understand the child’s perspective and provide customized interventions to prevent any issues from escalating.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Divorce and Family Law Attorney

When you are raising children with a co-parent, the best interests of your children should always come first and foremost. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, our Fulton, Maryland divorce attorneys work with families to help develop tailored parenting plans and customized custody agreements that will help ensure their children's needs are met. All of our attorneys are trained in collaborative divorce, mediation, and traditional divorce litigation. We will work closely with you to find a strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.

To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maple Lawn divorce attorney, call us at (301) 658-7354 or contact us online.