Helping Separated Parents Communicate More Effectively
Divorce is never a pleasant topic, neither are the implications of it on the parties involved. However, it is safe to say that the children bare the brunt of it all in more ways than one. This is why it is so important to have a Toronto divorce lawyer present during the whole ordeal. Many of these children also end up feeling rejected and in some cases, children feel like they are the actual reason for their parents’ divorce. These feelings are normal and tend to happen quite frequently. However, in cases where the child is still very young or sickly, parents would need to communicate with each other at regular intervals.
How Can You Communicate With Your Ex – After Divorce
Most divorced people do not have a good relationship with each other – in fact this is extremely rare. In these very popular cases, alternative methods of communication are suggested like telephone contact and communication books. Both of these methods have their flaws and could end up affecting the child in the process.
Telephone Communication for Separated Parents
Communicating via the telephone places a lot of emphasis on the emotional tone of the other person. This may cause the conversation to turn sour or degenerate, altogether. Furthermore, telephone conversations can be taped by either party and used in court. This will now cause the implicated party to question the sincerity of the conversation. This in turn could lead to more serious accusations and ultimately make things between both parties worse.
Should Separated Parents Use Communication Books?
Communication books may sound like the answer to the problem of conflict between divorced couples, however, this method of communication also comes with its own set of problems, as any family lawyer would be able to tell you. Firstly, the child is depended upon to be the courier. Secondly, the child may read these messages in the communication book and end up with all sorts of mixed emotions, none of which could be good. This also puts the child in an awkward position as they are directly in the middle of the whole process. Planning for events is also made difficult as the message can only be delivered with the communication book. The main problem with this option is perhaps the fact that the alternate parent is always left feeling like they have been given an instruction by the other parent. This now contributes to the growing conflict between both parties.
Communicating Effectively By Email
Email seems to be the more effective way of communicating, while still remaining civil and respectful towards each other. Emails can be sent back and forth, which makes room for dialogue. You can also allow for a cooling off period, before you decide to reply and both parties have permanent records of the communications. Email is ultimately the best way for separated parents to communicate and avoid conflict.