2. Introduction
• For over two decades, Dr. Grace Graham has operated a
clinical psychology practice. As a practicing psychologist, Dr.
Grace Graham has worked with patients of all ages with mood
and personality disorders. Through her work, she has
provided counseling for parents, blended families, and
teenagers to help strengthen familial bonds and improve
communication between caregivers and their children.
Following are some helpful tips for co-parenting in blended
families and family units with separated parents.
While co-parenting can be difficult between separated
parents, it is essential for monitoring the well-being of the
children. Focusing on open communication between parents
and caregivers is important to establish consistency in their
parenting.
3. Co-Parent Communication
• Psychology Today recommends establishing a commitment to co-
parenting through an agreed-upon medium.
If the parents and caregivers do not wish to communicate face to
face, relaying information about children’s schedules, school
progress, and other relevant updates can be done through e-mail
and text messages. Coordinating schedules can be done through
shared calendar applications or through web-based accounts like
Google mail.
In addition to open dialogue and regular communication,
consistency is very important. What is considered acceptable and
unacceptable behavior should be consistent in all households where
the children reside. When communicating with ex-partners, it is
important to maintain a business-like tone and keep the focus on
the children rather than on past issues between partners and
spouses.
