🤝 Navigating Difficult Relationships — Especially Co-Parenting

Let’s not sugarcoat it — some relationships are hard. But when you share a child, walking away isn’t always an option. You don’t have to love or even like the other parent. But you do have to figure out how to work with them, at least enough to not screw up your kid in the process.

Co-parenting in a high-conflict situation can feel like trying to build a house in the middle of a storm. If you want your child to have some peace and stability, someone’s gotta stay calm, and that someone might have to be you.

👂 1. Listen Without Reacting (Even When You're Boiling Inside)

It’s natural to want to fire back when you feel attacked, disrespected, or baited. But every time you react, you give away your power — especially if it happens over text or in front of your kid.

Instead of trying to “win” the conversation or "win" the relationship, focus on absorbing what’s actually important.

What’s the issue? What does your kid need? What can you solve without drama?

This doesn’t mean you have to agree. It just means you’re choosing not to fight every battle.

📱 2. Communicate Like It’s Being Read in Court

Because honestly? It might be.

When you're dealing with someone difficult, especially in a legal or custody situation, assume everything could be screen-shotted, printed, or played in court. So keep it short. Keep it calm. Keep it focused on your child.

Avoid:

• Sarcasm

• Name-calling

• Bringing up the past

Stick to facts, agreements, and what's best for your child. Document everything. Let your phone be your witness, not your weakness.

⏳ 3. Don't Expect Fairness — Focus on Consistency

You may be the more responsible one. You may be doing all the heavy lifting. Still might not feel “fair.”, but the goal isn’t fairness — it’s consistency.

Your kid doesn’t need perfect parents. They need parents who show up.

So keep showing up — even when you’re not getting credit. Even when it feels one-sided. Your kid sees more than you think.

💡 4. Set Boundaries Without Burning Bridges

Boundaries aren’t about control — they’re about protection. Let them know what you will and won’t tolerate — calmly, clearly, and without threat.

Example:

“I’m happy to coordinate around our child’s needs, but I’m not okay with being yelled at or insulted during exchanges.”

Boundaries don’t make you weak. They make you stable and stability is exactly what your child needs from at least one parent.

🙏 Final Thought

Not every co-parenting relationship

will be healthy, believe me. But you can be healthy inside of it. Be the one who leads with logic, not ego. Be the one your child looks back on and says, “Dad never gave up on doing the right thing.” That’s your win — and it lasts way longer than any court order.