Coparenting After Divorce

Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. As parents, your relationship may have changed, but your shared responsibility to provide a loving, stable environment for your children remains. Coparenting comes with challenges, but with the right mindset and tools, it can also be an opportunity to build a new, healthier dynamic that prioritizes your child’s well being. At Brightside Behavioral Health, we understand how difficult this transition can be. Our compassionate team offers support to parents working through coparenting after divorce, whether through in person sessions at our Johnston, Cranston, and Warwick offices or via telehealth services across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.   

One of the most important aspects of successful coparenting is maintaining open and respectful communication. While it may be difficult, keeping conversations focused on your child’s needs rather than past conflicts can make the process smoother. If direct communication is too tense, using text, email, or coparenting apps like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents can help facilitate structured and neutral discussions. Establishing clear guidelines for schedules, discipline, and decision making can also prevent misunderstandings. Children often thrive on routine, so having a well defined coparenting plan can provide a sense of stability. This includes setting consistent rules across both households, agreeing on educational and medical decisions, and ensuring that your child feels supported in both environments.   

Another key to successful coparenting is building emotional security. Divorce can be confusing for children, and they often worry about how their relationships with both parents will change. Reassuring them that they are loved and that both parents will continue to be active in their lives can ease this transition. Avoid speaking negatively about your coparent in front of your child, as this can create emotional distress and make them feel caught in the middle. Instead, encourage a positive relationship with both parents and support their bond.   

If you and your coparent struggle with unresolved tension or communication barriers, therapy can be an effective way to create a healthier coparenting dynamic. At Brightside Behavioral Health, we offer individual, couples, and family therapy to help parents work through coparenting challenges, process emotions, and develop strategies for working together in a way that benefits their child. Whether you prefer in person sessions or the flexibility of telehealth services throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, we are here to support you. If you’re ready to create a smoother coparenting journey, contact us today to schedule an appointment.