When Kiran Rao talked about the reason behind her divorce from Aamir Khan: ‘I needed my space…’

The complexities of navigating a breakup are amplified when children are involved. Maintaining peace with your ex becomes crucial, fostering a healthy environment for your kids. Dr Parth Nagda, Consultant Psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai, offered valuable advice on achieving this delicate balance.

“Yes, being cordial with an ex can be challenging,” says Dr Nagda. Concerns like unresolved emotions, jealousy, and blurred boundaries are valid. However, he highlighted the benefits: “Remaining friends with an ex, if both are emotionally detached and maintain clear boundaries, can provide an extra support system, preserve connections, and allow your child a nurturing environment.”

Key strategies for peaceful co-parenting

Here are Dr Nagda’s strategies for maintaining peace with your ex:

1. Emotional Detachment: Ensure both partners have truly moved on, with no lingering romantic feelings.
2. Respectful Communication: Focus communication solely on matters related to the children.
3. Setting Clear Boundaries: Establish clear expectations for each other, including topics off-limits for discussion.
4. Respecting Parenting Styles: Acknowledge that you might have different parenting approaches, and respect each other’s styles as long as they’re safe and loving.
5. Prioritise Self-Care: Practice mindfulness and journaling to manage your emotional reactions effectively.
6. Conflict Resolution: Avoid public arguments and using children as messengers.
7. Consider Your Current Partner: Address any jealousy or insecurity your current partner might feel.
8. Ultimate Goal: Strive for a co-parenting dynamic that enhances your overall well-being and promotes personal growth for everyone involved.

Dr Nagda reminded that seeking professional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist is always an option if maintaining a peaceful co-parenting relationship proves difficult.

By following these strategies and prioritising open communication, you and your ex can navigate this new normal together, creating a peaceful environment for your children to thrive.