In order to communicate effectively my ex partner and I use a communication book. There is currently a no contact ivo in place other than what is permitted under the family law act, as the law states. My little is one is only 2 and I'm glad that prevents him from being used as a method of "communication". So far I print out a form that has a section of sleep, food, daily wellbeing and any ongoing concerns and a date and signature. There is a separate calendar and conversation relating to anything that doesn't directly concern our child but rather the management around drop off etc. I believe keeping these conversations on separate also keeps our issues separate from our child. For eg. We are able to have an disagreement on one page and be proud or discuss difficult nights sleep on the other page without any resentment getting in the way.
My question.....
Collating all these pages has become tricky! Does anyone out there have any resources they can direct me to ie. a ready made communication book I can ourchase or suggestions on how to better manage this? Anything else you would add and remove?
Thanks ladies and gents.
2 Replies
We use an app called time tree that is a shared calendar, both homes have access to it and anything relating to my stepdaughter can be added to it. She is older so we have things like holidays, school events, appointments ect so both families know what's going on. We normally use email to communicate with her mother as well just so we have a paper trail of everything that we can look back on. Good luck
Going to suggest something completely different - let it go. Simplify how much you communicate and let it go.
We use only a calendar to mark the weekends and overnight stays. Other than that it's a simple txt to notify of any pickup/drop off time changes or if there's a change of location to pickup/drop off from.
Everything else is none of the other party's business. Parenting orders are pretty clear about the parent being responsible for health and well-being (food, sleep, medication etc) while in their care. They can follow their own routine and have their own preferences and way of doing things. Children adapt quickly to having different routines and rules or rituals with the other parent, just as they adjust to school routines etc.
The system you have described sounds controlling and it sounds like you're trying to "manage" your child rather than just let them be with the other parent.