Divorce Vision

To maintain the best interests of your children during a recent or impending divorce by finding the most effective ways to communicate and co-parent. This activity helps you stay focused on being a parent and move forward in raising your children.

Activity Instructions:

Set aside a time to talk about matters involving your children. Each parent should write a list of concerns or points they want to address during the meeting. Examples of these can include:

• Homework
• Rules and structure for each household
• Friends
• Extracurricular activities
• Communicating with teachers, coaches and other parents
• Vacations and holidays

Provide the lists to one another ahead of time, so that both parties are aware of expectations and are able to stay on task. Sideline issues that do not involve your children-you can address them in another conversation. Stay focused and non-emotional in order to make the best use of your time. If it is too difficult to meet in person, then communicate by email, or whatever is needed to keep the discussion non-reactive.

Outcome:

Provides clarity, understanding and new ways to relate to one another. This activity offers an additional tool to use in co-parenting and improving communication. It offers the opportunity to show your children that you are committed to raising them in a loving and appropriate manner, and keeps the focus on the kids and away from relationship issues.