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New Year’s Resolutions for the Divorced Parent

As we welcome the new year, we often set New Year’s resolutions to improve ourselves. If you are a parent that has recently been through a separation or divorce, you may want to try something other than losing weight or giving up caffeine. This may be your year to set a resolution focused on improving your child’s life.

Here is a brief list of some ideas to make your co-parenting relationship better in 2021:

  1. Keep every door open – make yourself accessible to your children
  2. Swallow my ego – put your feelings aside to better your children
  3. Maintain discipline – children need to retain consistency, even under two roofs.
  4. Invest time – children like to know that they are a priority in your life.
  5. Show them hope – Show that even after a divorce or separation you can still have a healthy relationship with the other parent that is built on respect.
  6. Avoid playing the blame game – Don’t blame the other parent for all issues, take responsibility for your actions and their impact.
  7. Respect your spouse – Children need to see that even in difficult situations you can remain as an adult as much as possible.
  8. Respect your child – Don’t use your child as the messenger or spy, let your kids be kids.
  9. Tell your child you love them – It is important for children to get reinforced regularly, especially during tough emotional times.
  10. Keep your promises – Children need a trusting relationship, if you make your child a promise, make sure you follow through on it.
  11. Focus on the future – Don’t get caught up on what has happened, focus on what will happen and this will help you act responsibly.
  12. Letting go of your anger toward your co-parent – Move forward boldly into this new year rather than still cling to the hurts of the past.

Source: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/a-dozen-new-years-resolutions-for-the-divorced-parent

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