How To Approach Co-Parenting With a Business Mindset   

The person you once thought would be your partner forever turned out not to be – and that’s okay. People change. Situations change. Divorce is difficult, but there’s a whole other level of challenges when you’re raising kids together.    

Even beginning to think about how divorce may or may not affect your kids is hard for most parents. And barely surviving the divorce without it affecting your children is even harder.

That’s why it's important to approach your co-parenting relationship with a business mindset. By treating your co-parent like a professional – similar to a business partner – you can create a structured environment focused on the well-being of your children. 

This approach emphasizes clear communication, boundary setting, and teamwork. Think of it as you and your co-parent being on the same team – “team kids.”

Let’s talk about a few ways you can get into a business owner mindset with your co-parent – and why it's important.  

What Is Co-parenting With a Business Mindset?

Co-parenting with a business mindset means changing your personal relationship with your co-parent to a professional business-like relationship. In a business, decisions are made based on facts and logic. By taking personal emotions out of the equation, you and your co-parent can make parenting decisions based on what’s best for your kids.

Co-parenting as if you’re still married can sabotage success by:

  • Blurring boundaries

  • Entangling emotions

  • Conflicting priorities

  • Compromising decision making   

After you separate, you and your co-parent probably have goals that no longer align. If you continue to act as if you’re married, that can be confusing for both you, your co-parent, and your kids.

The good news is that there are several things you and your co-parent can do to help realign your relationship and approach it with a business mindset. You don’t have to be besties with your ex to raise your kids in a healthy and loving environment.  



Key Factors to Co-parent With a Business Mindset

It’s important to establish a clear transition from a marital relationship to a business partnership. If you’re still feeling emotionally entangled with your ex, it can make it difficult to put your kids first and to move on and have a new, healthy relationship.  

Set Personal Boundaries

Just as setting personal boundaries is good in any relationship (family, work, etc.), it’s one of the most important factors with your co-parent. It’s a good idea for you both to write down what your personal boundaries are and openly discuss them. 

Some boundaries to consider are:

  • Agreeing on a fixed schedule that works for you both

  • Setting clear protocols for any changes that need to be made in the schedule

  • Defining emergency exceptions and how they will be handled

  • Respecting personal time when your co-parent has the kids

Boundaries may need to be changed over time as your kids grow, which is completely normal. It’s always a good idea to have a planned monthly check-in so you both know in advance of any changes in the schedule for the upcoming month(s).

Create Open Communication

Communicating openly and effectively with your co-parent is always in the best interests of your kids. Sometimes a situation with your kids could be easy to discuss and require only a phone call. Other times, meeting in person would make more sense.

For example, if you receive a message from your kid’s teacher that they are having difficulties in school, it would be better to meet in person. 

Here are a few ways having open communication can make meeting with your co-parent successful:

  • Have an agenda and stick to it

  • Talk in a professional tone

  • Actively listen to your co-parent

  • Don’t argue or interrupt each other

  • Develop an action plan or an end goal

  • Assign responsibilities so you can both play a role in helping your kid(s)

Taking a structured approach with open communication will ensure both mom and dad are informed, involved, and aligned to help your kids. This will create an environment where your kids feel loved and supported. 

Keep Kids Out of Conflict 

Having a stable and predictable environment where your kids are free from emotional stress and unnecessary conflict is essential. If a conflict arises, be sure to tackle it with a problem-solving business mindset. This means focusing on finding solutions rather than placing blame on your co-parent. 

If you can’t agree on a solution, it’s never okay to yell at each other or discuss sensitive topics in front of your kids. If there comes a point that you and your co-parent can’t agree on something, consider a family and divorce mediator. Sometimes working with a neutral third party makes a world of difference.     

Coming up with a strategy ahead of time for handling conflicts with your co-parent can also be another effective way to ensure your kids are never caught in the middle of any disagreement.      

The Importance of Being On Team Kids

It might feel strange or hurtful to think about getting along with your ex when you’re in the midst of a separation or divorce. But the last thing you want is years from now for your child to tell you that all they remember is the fights. 

Being on “team kids” means both parents share a common goal of providing the best possible environment to raise their children. No arguing or fighting – especially in front of the kids. This is totally doable when you redefine your co-parenting approach with a business mindset.  

Everyone has a unique story, yet they’re all similar. You want your kids to remain calm and happy during your separation or divorce. Setting clear boundaries, having open communication, and keeping your kids out of conflict are helpful ideas for creating a business-like relationship with your co-parent.    

Just because your family dynamic may look a little different doesn’t mean your family can’t remain whole and happy. It takes hard work, but it IS possible. 

Have the confidence you’re doing what’s best for your family through child-centered co-parenting.

Book your free consult today to see how I can help you and your family thrive before, during and beyond divorce.

Have the confidence you’re doing what’s best for your family through child-centered co-parenting.

Book your free consult today to see how I can help you and your family thrive before, during and beyond divorce.

Previous
Previous

How to Successfully Create ‘Team Kids’ With Your Co-parent     

Next
Next

Tips for Effective Co-Parenting When You’reNot Besties With Your Ex