
For some people, talking is the best way forward. Not everything is worth raising or fighting over sometimes it is easier to let things slide for the sake of an easier relationship. This focus can help people put aside interpersonal difficulties to prioritise their kids' needs and desires. If you find your ex is making it difficult to co-parent amicably, there are several strategies you can try, explains Dr Natalier. "Children actually see their family unit as the basis of their whole reality … people tend to minimise the impact that falling apart has." Rachael Sharman, senior lecturer in psychology at University of the Sunshine Coast, says it's important to prioritise a healthy co-parenting relationship for the wellbeing of you and your children. "The relationship ends but the family continues." "What you are essentially doing is setting up two households and dealing with the emotional and logistical challenges of that. "It can be bumpy at first, even when both people are happy to separate. Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467Įven when separation and divorce is the best thing to do, it can be traumatic for everyone involved, says Kristin Natalier, associate professor in sociology at Flinders University.Īlong with Dr Priscilla Dunk-West, Dr Natalier conducted research on people who defined themselves as having good post-separation relationships.If you or your children are at risk of family violence, this advice will likely not apply to you. We spoke to Claire and the experts for their advice on coping during this time. Getting used to the feeling of an empty household is just one of the hurdles of co-parenting in the early stages of a break-up.

"The first few weekends were really tough and I made a conscious effort to keep myself busy with friends."

That's because Claire and her husband of 15 years had just separated, and were beginning to split the time with their two children. "It was a weird feeling knowing they were going to be in the same city, and I was kissing them goodbye, but wouldn't see them until a few days later," the 37-year-old from the Sunshine Coast says. The first time Claire Riley spent the weekend away from her kids, it was difficult.
