Parents who aren’t in a romantic relationship any longer may have some negative feelings about each other. While it’s understandable why that may be the case, it’s not a reason to share those feelings in front of the children.
All children deserve to have a meaningful relationship with their parents. If they hear one parent speaking negatively of the other, they may start to internalize the messages they’re hearing.
Children shouldn’t have to choose between parents
One thing that makes it so difficult for children to hear their parents badmouth each other is that it may make them feel as though they have to take sides. No child should be put in that position, so it’s best for the parents to show a unified front in front of the children so they can feel secure.
Confide in a trusted individual
Instead of venting frustrations where your children can hear them, talk to a trusted individual about what you’re going through. This might be a family member, best friend or counselor. You may have a chance to get your feelings out and potentially find a solution to help you address the issues that are bringing the negative feelings into the parenting relationship.
The parenting plan is the cornerstone of interaction between you and your ex. Various points, including guidelines against badmouthing, can be put into this plan. Taking the time to ensure all important matters are included in the parenting plan can help to prevent issues from occurring in the future.