When you and your ex get a divorce, the ones who will be the most affected are your children. At their young age, they will have to come to terms with the fact that they no longer belong to a complete family. And, of course, they will have to adjust to the terms of your parenting plan, traveling every time they need to see a different parent.
This negative effect on the children is what courts want to avoid, as much as possible, which is why they encourage co-parenting. In an effort to protect the children and give them a normal life and upbringing, both parents should be equally present and have equal authority in terms of decision making.
Let’s face it, though. Co-parenting can be a challenge for those who ended their marriage on a bitter note. The exes will find it difficult to work together and communicate. They will disagree and fight about decisions for their children.
But despite the difficulty of co-parenting with your ex, you should strive to be a good co-parent. The main reason is because of your children. Both of you still want to be present and valuable in their lives.
The way I see it is you and your ex have two choices. Either you both continue being angry with each other and spend your money on your lawyers fighting each other in court. Or you can use that money to give your children the life they deserve, even despite the divorce.
The courtesy that you extend to your ex is not only for his or her own good. In truth, it is the courtesy that you’re extending to your children. And that is the main benefit of being a good co-parent.