silence 

            If communication is key when you are ‘together’, it’s even more important when you are apart, with children.  Please consider the following do’s and don’t’s.

DO’S

• Use what works best for the two of you – talk, text, email  –  at ay given time.
• If possible, don’t communicate when you are angry with him/her.
• If necessary, use “I” statements, not accusations.  For example,                                                  “I feel frustrated when you are late and don’t communicate”.
• If necessary, review your note, when ang and imagine yourself receiving it.

• Try to speak when you both know that your children cannot hear you.
• Make a short list, to refer to, and stay focused and fairly brief..
• Be sure to acknowledge positive words or deeds of the other parent.
• Establish a blog about activities with young children.
• With older children, consider a family blog.
• Treat it like business….it is…family business.
• Do admit, if you were wrong, and apologize.

DON’TS 

• Don’t extend the communication longer than necessary,
• Don’t need to have the last word or always be right.
• Don’t forget –  it’s all about and for the children.
• Don’t blame or ‘bad mouth’