Texas parents who are divorced might face a challenge of co-parenting with an uncooperative, or toxic, ex. They might ask themselves if it is possible to successfully co-parent with that type of ex-spouse. The answer to this is that there are certain things they can do to make the process of co-parenting with a toxic ex easier and smoother.
The first thing that parents must remember is that the priority in this type of relationship is the wellbeing of the children. Focusing on this might help parents better respond and deal with the negative behavior exhibited by their ex. In the same manner, parents should continue to encourage their children’s relationship with the other parent after the divorce while resisting the temptation to speak negatively about that parent in front of their children. This is particularly important since hearing one parent speak negatively about the other parent might place children in an uncomfortable position of having to pretend about how they feel about each of their parents.
Another way a divorced parent might deal with this type of situation is by identifying the things that trigger their ex’s negative behaviors and feelings, which might help the parent maintain better control of the situation. In the same manner, limiting conversations and exchanges to topics exclusively related to the raising of children and placing strict limits over their personal life might also help the co-parenting relationship. There are, of course, toxic behaviors, such as abuse and addiction, that are more complex, and the parent might need additional support and resources to deal with their ex.
If faced with the possibility of having to co-parent with a toxic ex, a parent might also choose to have as many of the issues related to parenting as possible written down clearly in their settlement. The parent might find the knowledge and experience of a lawyer in this area beneficial for doing this.
