Be a Better Co-Parent on Mother’s Day

Mother's Day Child Custody Co-Parenting

Every separated or divorced parent should try to find ways to better co-parent. Cooperative parenting with your ex can give your children continued stability and close relationships with both parents—but it isn’t easy.

If you and your child(ren)’s parent(s) are no longer together consider doing some of the following on Mother’s Day:

Allow your child(ren) to spend Mother’s Day with mom or the entire weekend for additional special time.
If you are not able to allow the children to spend the day with mom (due to long distance or another reason), allow the child(ren) to call or Skype her.
Help your child(ren) find a special gift or card to give to their mother. Now that you and their mother are not together, this may be overlooked.
Assist the child(ren) in making mom a special gift if they prefer to make something than shop.
Stay out of mom’s way on her day. Try not to interrupt with unnecessary calls and texts.

In general, you should help your children respect and honor Mother’s Day. Even if you continue to litigate child custody, by showing the court that you are putting the best interests of the children ahead of your personal dislike for the child(ren)’s mother, you will demonstrate that you are acting appropriately. If there is a special reason to keep the children from mom (e.g., drug use, unfitness) and a court order prohibits contact, obviously these tips do not apply.