Successful Co-Parenting Skills

·         Work with the other parent as a business partner.

·         Focus on children's issues when communicating with the other parent.

·         Listen to your children.

·         Be a good listener.

·         Use I-messages.

·         Don't be a mind reader.

·         Maintain open communication lines with the other parent.

·         Learn to negotiate in a positive way.

·         Treat the other parent with respect.                   

·         Respect different points of view.

·         Be patient. Be reasonable.

·         Show your commitment and maturity.

·         Don't spoil children to buy their love and loyalty.

·         Be flexible about visitation schedules.

·         Take responsibility.

·         Keep the other parent informed.

·         Be reasonable about changing plans.

·         Don't compete.

·         Don't fight. 

·         Don’t get personal.

·         Have consistent discipline and discuss with the other parent about rules and discipline.

·         Be fair and reasonable.

·         Let children know it is all right to love both parents.

·         Establish a routine visitation schedule.

Developed by Nina Chen, Ph.D. Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension.

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