Co-Parenting
Facilitators work with parents to keep them focused on their
children’s best interests.
In that
light, we have some strong suggestions for parents, whether
they are working with a S.P.E.A.K. Co-Parenting Facilitator or
not.
1.
We suggest that both parents respect their children’s
right, barring any dangerous history or circumstances, to have
a loving and open relationship with BOTH of their biological
parents and the families of BOTH biological parents.
2.
We suggest that both parents are very careful not to do anything
to stand in the way of the children’s relationship with the
other parent.
3.
We suggest that neither parent support a child’s refusal to visit
the other parent and that both parents support and encourage
the other parent’s right to visitation with their
non-custodial children.
4.
We suggest that both parents handle any conversations
about or with the other parent only with the other parent or
an adult third party.
5.
We suggest that all conversation with or about the
other parent in front of or through the children cease and
desist immediately.
6.
We suggest that neither parent
bad-mouth the other parent in front
of the children or in any way that the children may hear
directly or hear of it later.
7.
We suggest that any decisions that need to be made on behalf of
the children are presented to the other parent with enough
time for the other parent to seek the guidance needed to make
a proper decision.
8.
We suggest that both parents have some way to receive
messages that can’t be accessed by the children.
9.
We suggest that neither parent leave detailed messages
for the other on the home answering machines or any other
place that children may be able to access them.
10.
We ask that both parents agree to return phone calls to each
other, or the SPEAK Co-Parenting Facilitator in a timely
manner.
11.
We ask that both parents have some way to be contacted at all
times.
12.
We ask that both parents recognize that their relationship with
each other is totally separate from their relationships with
the children.
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