Having to co-parent with someone who is narcissistic and unpleasant can make life hard, but there are ways to make raising your child with them less challenging. Here are some tips that you can use to help deal with an unreasonable co-parent in California.
Manage your expectations
If you already know that the person you are co-parenting with is irresponsible, narcissistic and ill-tempered, then you need to manage your expectations in dealing with them. Being upset that they aren’t who you want them to be will not change anything.
Instead of letting them frustrate you, accept who they are and try to make the best of it. If they aren’t being a good co-parent or they are putting your child in harm’s way, you may want to involve a family law attorney to help sort out your situation in court.
Have a support group that you can depend on
Trying to co-parent a child with someone who is difficult can take a toll on your mental health. This is why you should try your best to surround yourself with people who are understanding and supportive. You will need a strong support system to help get you through the tough times when you feel like completely giving up.
Avoid arguments
If your co-parent is someone who is argumentative and always provoking you, don’t allow yourself to engage in an argument with them. Arguing will not solve anything; all it will do is anger and frustrate you. If they are trying to start an argument, the best thing you can do is to walk away from the situation. It is especially important that you don’t argue in front of your child. You don’t want them to think that they have to start picking sides.
While it is impossible to change your co-parent, there are steps you can take to make co-parenting with them less of a hassle. When things get tough, remember that you aren’t doing this for yourself but rather for the well-being of your child.
