As a single parent, you may have to still deal with your children’s other parent. That can be more stressful than just being a single parent.
Fortunately, there are ways you can make dealing with your children’s other parent much easier.
Tip #1: Don’t Play the Game
Many difficult co-parents do things just to get under the skin of their ex. It’s cruel and unfair but it’s just the way they try to get back at the other person.
How do you deal with it? By not giving them what they want.
Notice how difficult co-parents do it because they want to get you riled up. If you don’t react, it’s no fun. There’s no sense in doing something that doesn’t work.
That means you have to be as desensitized to his actions as you can. The better you are at this the shorter the time you will have to deal with his idiocies.
Tip #2: Limit Conversations
If you have a difficult time not arguing with your children’s other parent, keep conversations as short as possible. When you do speak to him, only discuss your children.
That way, you don’t enter battlefields that don’t need to be ventured into.
Tip #3: Agree to Disagree and then Compromise
Your children’s co-parent is difficult because you most likely don’t agree with many of the things he does or believes. While this can be irritating, it’s something you will have to deal with since he is your children’s other parent.
When you and the co-parent don’t agree on something, acknowledge that you understand his side and while you don’t agree there is way that you both can get what you want. This is when you can start to compromise with him.
As long as everyone gets something they want, things will be much more balanced and fair. It’s all about give and take sometimes.
Tip #4: Don’t Force Him to Be a Parent
If you’re children want to see their co-parent but he isn’t really interested in having a relationship with them, don’t push the issue. You can’t make anyone do something and the more you push, the worse it will be on you and the children.
Bring up the concern that the children have been missing him and then suggest that maybe someday they can get together. If he doesn’t jump on that or take initiative to make that happen, all you can do is step away.
Help your children deal with the rejection by hugging them and letting them know how much you love them. They will be hurt but as long as you are there for them, they have at least one person they know who loves and wants them.
Tip #5: Find a Mediator
If you can’t deal with your difficult co-parent at all and you’ve tried just about everything, it may be time to seek the guidance of a mediator.
Having a third party involved in discussions with you and your co-parent can bring insight into issues and make it much easier to come to a resolution.
Dealing with a difficult co-parent isn’t easy but it’s possible. Take a deep breath and stay as patient as possible when you have to interact with him.
It’s these times that make you appreciate being a single parent, just so you don’t have to deal with him all the time.
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