Parenting changes after you and your spouse get divorced. It can be hard to know what to do, but you still need to work hard to parent effectively. These tips can help you do so.
First and foremost, make sure that your children know that, for the time that they spend with you, you and only you have the final say. You’re in charge. If you tell them to do something, don’t let them counter you by arguing that the other parent does things differently. This can be tough when you and your spouse have different parenting styles, but you need to stick to what you think is best.
Next, don’t let guilt get the best of you. You may feel bad that you and your spouse divorced, and you may let things go—such as bad behavior from your child—that you wouldn’t have let go otherwise. Don’t do this, as it compromises your control and your children may create some bad habits as a result.
Don’t let your spouse tell you what to do, either. He or she may complain if you parent differently. Maybe you put the kids to bed at nine, but he or she allows them to stay up as long as they want. Your spouse has a right to do whatever he or she wants, but your spouse can’t tell you to change.
Finally, just know that it’s not going to be perfect, and that’s all right. You’re going to have hard days. Your kids are going to act out. Expect these things and be prepared to deal with them, rather than mentally beating yourself up.
Additionally, be sure you know all of your child custody rights and parenting rights in Florida.
Source: Empowering Parents, “Parenting After Divorce: 9 Ways to Parent on Your Own Terms,” Debbie Pincus, accessed Nov. 19, 2015