Co-parenting can be challenging. Whether it’s due to separation, divorce, or blending families, managing schedules, expectations, and emotions is often tricky. After speaking with close family members who have navigated co-parenting, we’ve put together this blog to share practical tips that genuinely help make shared parenting smoother, even when it’s emotionally difficult.
Here are five practical things that can make a real difference.
Keep communication clear and focused on the kids
It’s tempting to bring up past arguments or disagreements, as this only adds tension. What works far better is sticking to the essentials about the children:
👦 Plans for school runs, extracurriculars, and holidays
👦 Health updates and appointments
👦 Behaviour concerns or achievements
Shared calendars and messaging apps help keep everything documented and reduce repeated misunderstandings. The focus remains on supporting the children.
2.
Be consistent with rules and routines
Children thrive on consistency, even when homes differ. Agreeing on basic rules around routines, bedtimes, and discipline helps children feel secure.
It’s not about matching everything perfectly, but keeping the essentials aligned provides stability and reduces stress when children move between homes.
Prioritise empathy over ego
Emotions can run high, especially if separation or blending has been difficult. Putting the children’s needs first helps the household run more smoothly.
Effective strategies include:
👦 Listening without judgement
👦 Avoiding blame in front of the children
👦 Accepting that parents may have different approaches
Children notice tension, so the calmer and more cooperative the adults are, the smoother transitions feel for them.
4.
Plan ahead for holidays and special events
Festivals, birthdays, and school holidays can be tricky in co-parenting situations. Planning ahead and agreeing on a schedule early helps.
Tips include:
👦 Writing down a calendar for the year
👦 Discussing swaps and shared events early
👦 Remaining flexible when needed
This approach reduces stress for both parents and children.
5. Use support networks and resources
Even the most cooperative co-parents sometimes need extra guidance. Talking to friends, joining local support groups, or seeking professional advice can make a difference.
In the UK, useful resources include:
Family Lives – support for separated parents and blended families
Gingerbread – practical help for single parents and co-parenting challenges
NHS guidance on parenting after separation
These provide advice and reassurance for navigating tricky situations.
Our Final Thoughts
Co-parenting is rarely perfect, and some days are harder than others. But keeping communication child-focused, staying consistent with routines, prioritising empathy, planning ahead, and leaning on support when needed can create a smoother environment for children — even in emotionally tricky situations.
If you want more ideas on supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, take a look at: 5 Things We’ve Learned To Do When Our Child Shows Signs Of Anxiety.
Did you know?
of children in the UK live in a single‑parent household
children in the UK will experience their parents’ separation by their teenage years
