Your child should not have to suffer as a result of the conflict between you and your child’s other parent. In order for your child to have a safe and comfortable environment to grow up in, it is important that you and the other parent ensure that your child is not placed in the middle of any custody conflicts.

Here are a few tips you can use to peacefully co-parent during the summer and into the school year.

1. Encourage a healthy relationship between your child and the other parent. It is important that your child maintains a relationship with both parents, so encourage your child to spend time with the other parent if your child is hesitant. Suggest fun or educational activities for your child and your child’s other parent to do together.
2. Ensure that the other parent knows about any and all extracurricular activities, medical appointments, and any school related matters that your child is involved in while in your care. In order to keep the other parent informed about all activities, consider keeping an electronic calendar that your child’s parent can have access and add to. You can also send a weekly e-mail to your child’s other parent to inform him or her about any upcoming events.
3. Do not belittle the other parent or the other parent’s family in front of your child. It is crucial that you do not give your child a negative image of the other parent.
4. Do not argue with the other parent in front of your child. Doing so will only make your child uncomfortable.
5.  Allow and encourage phone calls and video calls between your child and your child’s other parent while the child is in your home. It is important for your child to maintain that relationship even while in your home.
6. Be cordial with the family and significant other of your child’s other parent.
7. If possible, arrange to meet with your child’s other parent monthly to discuss goals and your child’s progress in school.
8. Consider planning important events such as birthday parties so that the other parent can attend.

Co-parenting does not have to be an unpleasant experience. Remember, at the end of the day both you and the other parent love your child. So both of you should make an effort to follow these tips and ensure your child’s future success.