Hot Topics     Home and Family     Healthy Kids    

Co-parenting in the pandemic



Joint custody of children has gotten even more difficult

Good communication, tolerance, and careful scheduling make the difference when co-parenting


The pandemic has led to a decrease in options for kids, plus a higher level of anxiety for both kids and adults. California-based counselor Suzanne Grimmesy offers advice for divorced or separated parents as they navigate this challenging period.

Communication

Parents need to communicate more than ever, as clearly and consistently as possible. Even if the two of you don't agree on some aspects of child-rearing, you have to work out compromises and decide what's best for the kids. Focus on problem-solving, not winning arguments. Reply to all messages from your co-parent without a long delay, whether it's a phone call, email, or text message.

Scheduling

The schedule you've adopted for joint custody may have to be adjusted to accommodate the children's needs and the parents' work schedule. HealthyChildren.org suggests parents consider such questions as:

  • Does one parent have better Internet access for remote schooling?
  • Does one parent have a job that involves more contact with the public and therefore more risk for household members?
  • Is there a household member in a high-risk group, healthwise?
  • Does one home offer more space, privacy, or access to outdoor exercise, given social-distancing needs?

Be flexible as you determine what changes to make. If quarantine means the kids don't get to see one of the parents in person, schedule regular online visits to maintain the relationship. Plan on setting aside time when restrictions are relaxed so the non-custodial parent can spend more time with children.

Patience

The whole family is likely to be under stress, especially with the new school year starting, uncertainty about the future, the loss of old structures in daily life. Make allowances for both parents and kids, and don't hold onto frustrations. We're all struggling.

Acknowledge resilience

We all tend to worry about our kids, but they will survive and learn from the challenges. Take their needs seriously, but don't allow worry to dominate your interactions. Express confidence in their resilience and inner strength.

Self-care

Be sure to take time for yourself. Relax, re-charge, and do whatever you can to give yourself the capacity to be there when you're needed.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Understanding 'Warning Strokes'

    What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

    Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke. read more »
  • Managing your family's year-round health

    Protect everyone from infectious diseases

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. read more »
  • What to know about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life

    Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there’s currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. read more »
  • Bring back family bonding this fall

    3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

    Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks. read more »
  • Top tips for a more organized kitchen

    Save time and money

    Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. read more »
  • 6 small, kind gestures to make a big impact each day

    Performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being

    Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. read more »
  • Keeping babies safe

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies include safe sleeping habits, product recalls, baby proofing & car safety read more »
  • Tips to get tour student prepped for college entrance exams

    Help get your teen ready

    Is the SAT or ACT on the horizon for your high schooler? A lot of emphasis is placed on college entrance exams, and your child may be anxious about their scores. read more »
  • More than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season

    CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® encourage consumers to get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on routine vaccinations

    CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients' vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches. CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® are offering the annual flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults ages 60 and up. read more »
  • 10 phrases to say to children every day

    Instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem

    As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s character, confidence, and overall development. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem. read more »