Effective Communication for Divorced Parents
Divorce can be one of the most stressful events in a person's life, ranked right up there with death of close family members and terminal illness. After a divorce, there may be a great deal of negative feelings remaining between the couple, from hurt and anger to resentment. Even though they are no longer committed to each other, a couple is still committed to the children they are raising together and need to learn how to communicate. Consider some of these tips to communicate more effectively after a divorce.
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Benefits
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Learning to communicate effectively will help both parents put the focus on the child, and continue to make decisions based on what is best for the child. If the parents cannot communicate well, this can lead to the child receiving conflicting messages, feeling they are somehow at fault for the situation and may even lead to resentment of one or both parents.
Balance
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According to an article by relationship seminar facilitator, Rosalind Sedacca, CCT, parents should find a balance. They should try to keep their feelings under control, but not avoid expressing them because suppressing feelings can lead to resentment and anger.
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Blame
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Familylobby.com warns against the dangers of playing the "blame game." Try to avoid pointing fingers, or denying responsibility for any problems that may have arisen. Try to put the past behind you and move forward.
Flexibility
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Be willing to compromise. Before saying "no," ask yourself if you're overreacting or if there is a way to meet in the middle. If you feel strongly about something, calmly state your concerns and be willing to listen to your ex-spouses feelings as well.
Expert Insight
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According to the Ohio State University Research News, studies show that divorced parents who attend parenting seminars together develop better relationships with each other and with their children.
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