When you get a divorce as a parent, you probably anticipate at least a few parenting issues to arise in the wake of your divorce. Many parents expect their kids to cry often or act out in frustration.
While it is wise to expect a few problems as your children adjust, you and your co-parent must also adapt to your new circumstances. The weeks and months following a divorce can be just as disruptive to parents as to children.
Three common post-divorce parenting situations
If you and your spouse found it hard to agree on child-related issues during your marriage, do not expect your disagreements to end with divorce. Many Everett, Washington parents experience a troubling period of continuing conflict after their marriage is over.
Examples of these conflicts include:
- Parenting style. Disputes centered on different parenting styles often become even more pronounced after divorce as each parent feels freer to parent as they like.
- Child manipulation. Although divorce is unpleasant for kids, they quickly learn to play their parents against each other or manipulate them to get what they want.
- Parental guilt. Guilt is a typical issue during the first months of post-divorce life, sometimes leading to the overindulgence of children or waiving their punishments.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to anticipate every child custody, visitation or co-parenting conflict that might trouble your family after the divorce. Many parents find it wise to expect the unexpected and plan for as many problems as possible while going through the divorce.
Learning more about Washington State child custody can also help. Such knowledge can guide you towards a solution when your post-divorce co-parenting issues require a legal approach.