Do’s and Don'ts for Successful Coparenting in Atlanta

By Danielle Flint

Overview: Coparenting can be a challenging journey, especially in a city as busy as Atlanta. Navigating the complexities of shared parenting requires patience, communication, and a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of your children. As a therapist based in Atlanta, I've witnessed firsthand the unique dynamics and struggles that coparents face in this vibrant city, and I have seen the consequences of this being done well and being done poorly. In this blog, I'll share four essential tips to help coparents in Atlanta foster a positive and cooperative coparenting relationship for the benefit of their children.

4 Tips for Successful Coparenting:

1. Do: Establish Clear Communication Channels  Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful coparenting. In Atlanta, where busy schedules and traffic congestion can create logistical challenges, coparents must establish clear communication channels. This may involve coordinating schedules, sharing important information, and making decisions regarding the children's upbringing. Setting aside regular times for check-ins or meetings can also facilitate open and respectful communication between coparents, allowing them to address concerns and resolve conflicts constructively. Don’t: Rely on your children to do the communicating for you. Having your children be the middleman between you and your ex puts them in a position of stress.
   

2. Do: Create Consistent Coparenting Guidelines Consistency is key to providing stability and structure for children in coparenting arrangements. In Atlanta, where coparents may come from diverse cultural backgrounds or have different parenting styles, creating consistent coparenting guidelines can help minimize confusion and conflict. Collaboratively establishing agreements on important issues such as discipline, rules, and routines can promote harmony and reduce friction between coparents. It's essential to prioritize the children's best interests and be willing to compromise to create a unified approach to parenting across both households. Don’t: Have different sets of rules for each household. Having different rules not only creates tension between coparents but also creates confusion for kids who are never really sure what is acceptable behavior or not.
   

3. Do: Prioritize Positive Coparenting Communication: 

Coparents need to prioritize positive communication and mutual respect. Avoiding negative or disparaging remarks about the other parent in front of the children is crucial for preserving their emotional well-being and sense of security.

Instead, focus on promoting a healthy coparenting dynamic by acknowledging each other's strengths, expressing appreciation for their contributions, and working collaboratively to address challenges. By modeling respectful communication and conflict resolution skills, coparents can set a positive example for their children and foster a sense of stability and security in their coparenting arrangement.

Don’t: Speak negatively about the other parent. This approach can sometimes be challenging depending on how the relationship ended. However, children will often feel pressure to pick a side or mediate the conflict between parents. From my clinical experience, a contentious coparenting relationship is the number one indicator of child distress when navigating a divorce relationship. Remember, you don’t have to be best friends with your ex, but preserving open and respectful communication is in your and your child’s best interest.

4. Do: Seek Support and Resources

Navigating the complexities of coparenting can be overwhelming at times, and coparents in Atlanta need to seek support and resources when needed. Whether it's through individual therapy, coparenting counseling, or support groups, reaching out for help can provide valuable guidance and reassurance during challenging times. Atlanta offers a variety of resources for co-parents, including family therapy services, parenting classes, and online forums where coparents can connect with others facing similar challenges. By proactively seeking support and tapping into available resources, coparents can strengthen their coparenting skills and provide the best possible care for their children.

Don’t: Feel like you have to navigate this alone. Coparenting with someone with whom a relationship did not work out presents a very unique challenge. You deserve support as you work out a relationship that is the best for you and your kids.

It is never too late to heal.

Conclusion: Coparenting in Atlanta presents its own unique set of challenges, but with patience, communication, and a commitment to collaboration, coparents can navigate these challenges successfully. By establishing clear communication channels, creating consistent co-parenting guidelines, fostering flexibility and adaptability, prioritizing positive co-parenting communication, and seeking support and resources when needed, coparents can build a strong foundation for their children's well-being and create a nurturing and supportive environment across both households.

Remember, the ultimate goal of coparenting is to prioritize the children's best interests and provide them with the love, stability, and support they need to thrive.

“It is well with my soul…” H. Spafford from the song “It is well with my Soul”/”Peace like a River”

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes…” Revelation 21:4

As a faith-based counselor serving the Atlanta area, it brings me immense joy to walk alongside individuals who are committed to finishing the race of life well. Regardless of where you find yourself on this journey, know that you are not alone. Your desire for healing is both valid and achievable.

I encourage you to think about the things that hold you back in life. What stops you from showing up as the person you want to be? What hinders you from experiencing your relationships in a fulfilling way? When did you start to feel this way?

Once again, it is never too late to heal. It is NEVER too late for you. And God would never give up on you, so don't give up on yourself!

In conclusion, remember this: Your journey toward healing is a testament to your resilience and the unwavering love of a higher power. Embrace it, embrace yourself, and know that the best is yet to come.

Begin Working With A Therapist in Marietta, GA or Cartersville, GA - Virtual Counseling Available

If you find yourself struggling to handle conflict, remember that you are not alone. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to offer support with in-person and online services from our Marietta, GA-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Reach out to talk to a therapist in Marietta, GA.

2. Have your first appointment at Remain Connected. 

3. Start learning to handle conflict in a healthy way.

Other Services Offered at Remain Connected Counseling

Our team knows you may experience more than stress and anxiety related to conflict. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of services including teen therapy, anxiety treatment, and EMDR therapy. In addition, we also offer life transitions therapy, depression counseling, and more all under a Christian counseling lens. By using online therapy, these services are available to anyone in Georgia. Learn more about our team of dedicated therapists and contact us for more information.

Our Therapy Locations in Georgia

Marietta Office

In-Person Therapy on Windy Hill Road near Smyrna - Remain Connected Counseling is conveniently situated at 2480 Windy Hill Rd, Suite 200, Marietta, GA, near The Battery Atlanta, Truist Park, and Cumberland Mall. Our office is easily accessible from I-75 and I-285, making it a convenient option for therapy clients in Marietta, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Sandy Springs, and Atlanta. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, or personal growth, our team of dedicated Christian therapists is here to walk alongside you. In the Marietta office, we have therapists who accept United HealthCare, Aetna, Cigna, Optum, UMR, and GEHA.

Virtual Office

Online Counseling Available Across Georgia – Remain Connected Counseling offers virtual therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families throughout the state of Georgia. Whether you're in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, Decatur, Canton, or beyond, our team of experienced Christian therapists is here to support you from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of online counseling that fits your schedule and needs, no matter where you are in Georgia. In the virtual office, we have therapists who accept United HealthCare, Aetna, Cigna, Optum, UMR, and GEHA.

Roswell Office

Our Roswell office is conveniently situated at 515 E Crossville Rd, Ste 340, Roswell, GA 30075, near Historic Downtown Roswell, Roswell Town Center, and East Cobb. Easily accessible from Highway 92 and GA-400, we proudly serve individuals, couples, and families in Roswell, Alpharetta, East Cobb, Woodstock, and surrounding areas. Whether you're seeking in-person or virtual therapy, our compassionate Christian therapists are here to support you on your journey to healing and growth. At the Roswell office, Danielle Flint accepts United HealthCare, including Optum, UMR, and GEHA.

Cartersville Office

Our Cartersville office is conveniently located at 600 South Tennessee Street, Cartersville, GA 30120, near Downtown Cartersville, the Booth Western Art Museum, and Dellinger Park. Easily accessible from Highway 41 and I-75, we proudly serve individuals and couples in Cartersville, Acworth, Emerson, Adairsville, and surrounding communities. Whether in-person or online, our compassionate Christian therapists are here to support you on your journey to healing, growth, and connection. At the Cartersville office, Suzy specializes in Christian premarital and marital counseling. She offers both Focus on the Family and Prepare/Enrich assessments for couples in the Cartersville area or virtual throughout the state of Georgia.

***Please note that this blog is NOT intended as official therapeutic advice of any kind.