This is part one of a series of four articles providing some guidance, tips and talking points to assist you to co-parent your children during the COVID-19 self-isolation period.
Along with my colleague (FDR mediator) Barbara McCulloch, and the FDR Centre’s Senior Manager - Kaye Penney, we have put together a document covering a variety of subject matters, which we hope that you will find useful.
The overarching message throughout the document is that good, honest and meaningful communication is key.
Part one of four concentrates on our top five points for great co-parenting.
1. If there is a change of shared care arrangements? What impact is that having on both parents, and how can you help each other during this period?
2. If one parent is caring for the children most/all of the time, ensure that a generous amount of video/phone calls are given to the other parent.
3. If you are both working from home, work out a plan that allows you both to work effectively, and take care of the children – think shifts!
4. Where both parents/caregivers live in the same community, consider if one of you can do the shopping for both households to limit the risk of contracting COVID-19 and saving precious time.
5. Share the children’s bedtime stories with your co-parent using video/phone call. You may both have copies of many of your children’s favourite books. The parent who does not have the children overnight reads the book(s), and the other parent follows the story by turning the pages of the same book with your children.
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