Divorced Parents Stop the Competition

"How are we going to co-parent our child as two separate households rather than as one home? What if my ex-spouse gets our child a high-cost toy I cannot afford? Should I get a similar toy for our child?" Divorcing parents in Georgia and elsewhere are asking these and other similar family law questions.

Co-parenting is one of the most difficult issues in a divorce. But it is always in the best interests of the child for the parents to focus on the child rather than competing with one another for the child's love.

In a divorce, many parents tend to compete with one another for their children's attention and love. Sometimes, children catch on to this behavior and play their parents against one another. To prevent this behavior, parents should attempt to see their situation in a different light. The children love each parent. Therefore, parents should focus on the ultimate goals of parenting: keeping the children happy and physically and emotionally healthy.

Rather than competing over the expense of gifts, parents might consider using the opportunity for more one-to-one engagement; perhaps asking the child to show how a new device works, or perhaps somehow playing with the new gift with the child. If an ex-spouse plans to take the children on a fun vacation, a parent should be happy for them rather than trying to book the same trip earlier to "come in first."

If the ex-spouse insists on being competitive, the parent can always just simply say nothing at all. Not responding to the ex-spouse's competing behavior may take away the fun in the competition. Rather than compete, parents should be present with their children to listen and play and create memories with them.

In a divorce, parents must either collaborate together or submit to a court ordered child custody agreement. A child custody agreement determines both the legal and physical custody of the child. Legal custody refers to decisions about the child's well being, which includes decisions on education, religious upbringing and medical care. Generally, legal custody is awarded to each parent. Physical custody refers to the daily care of the child and where the child primarily lives. Sometimes this is equally split between the parents.

Co-parenting as divorced parents may be challenging. However, it is important for parents to remember the children's best interests when making custody decisions and interacting with their ex-spouses.