If you are co-parenting a special-needs child in Texas, you must be prepared for significant challenges. Commitment to working together to serve the child’s best interests and a willingness to be understanding, patient and flexible will help you raise your child in a loving, supporting environment.
Work as a team to raise your child
Though your romantic relationship has not worked out, your relationship as a family will continue as you raise your child. Your decisions and actions will show your child that you are committed to them and to the family. With a special needs child, this might require more cooperation between you and your child’s other parent. You will need to work together and support each other as you outfit both your homes so that the child is safe and comfortable, which can include special equipment needed by the child. Additionally, both of you will need to be patient in your co-parenting journey. Finally, you must be understanding and flexible as even the best-laid plans sometimes do not work out.
Guide your actions to serve the best interests of the child
You and your co-parent should create a parenting plan that outlines all the details of your child custody agreement. In this parenting plan, you should begin with a clear parenting schedule. However, you should also address other topics, such as:
- How often, about what topics and through what methods you will communicate
- How you will make important and emergency decisions regarding the child’s health
- How you will resolve any conflicts that arise over raising the child
The more amicable your relationship with your co-parent, the easier it will be to meet your child’s needs. However, do not forget about yourself in the process. Make sure to take care of yourself as well.