When a relationship ends that involves children, both parents have to learn to co-parent together for the benefit of the family. The emotions tied to a divorce or breakup can make this difficult, even for parents who truly want the best for their children. Even when former partners have a positive relationship, the new realities of two busy households can make it difficult to coordinate childcare. Luckily, tools like co-parenting apps can help parents learn to navigate this new relationship.
Our firm has seen many couples improve their child-related communication through co-parenting apps. Here, we’ll discuss what co-parenting apps are and some of the top benefits of using them.
What Are Co-Parenting Apps?
Co-parenting apps create a digital space for communication, information sharing, and more among parents with shared custody. Most of these apps include a messaging feature with time-stamped messages as well as a shared calendar. Many apps also include expense tracking options. The goal is to keep communication regarding your child’s needs and schedule organized and clear. There are many co-parenting apps to choose from, including both paid and free versions.
How Do Co-Parenting Apps Help Reduce Conflict?
Whether you’re newly separated or trying to improve on a current routine with your co-parent, co-parenting apps can be a very useful tool. Some of the top benefits include:
- Focused Communication – For many parents, it can be tough to avoid bringing up old conflicts or personal matters when communicating with your ex. Issues can also be created when parents rely on children to relay messages between them. Co-parenting apps can help keep the communication between parents focused on their children’s needs and schedules.
- Clear Expectations – Coordinating pick-ups and drop-offs or any other activity is easier when all parties know what is expected. By keeping information related to schedules and requested changes all in one place, co-parenting apps can give parents peace of mind.
- Accountability – Features like time-stamped messaging and video or audio recording allow parents to keep a clear, shareable record of communication. This can help avoid disputes, but it may also create evidence of co-parent behavior that you can share with the court if needed.
Popular Co-Parenting Apps
Virginia Family Law Center does not endorse or recommend any specific co-parenting app. Rather, we believe families should try the features and options of a few of these tools to see which one best fits their needs. A few examples of co-parenting apps popular with our clients include:
- Our Family Wizard – This popular app is accepted by courts in all 50 states. The ToneMeter can analyze your messages and alert you if the tone is overly emotional.
- Talking Parents – For parents with high levels of conflict, Talking Parents offers several helpful features, like the ability to have calls with video recording and transcripts without the need to share your phone number.
- Onward – This co-parenting app has robust expense tracking and sharing features to help parents avoid or reduce disputes about financial obligations.
- Cozi – This free app is focused primarily on a shared calendar. For parents who want to focus on coordinating schedules, this simple solution may be ideal.
Solutions for Tough Co-Parenting Disputes
Co-parenting apps can be a great way to manage or reduce conflict among separated or divorced parents. Ideally, they can help parents build a healthier relationship with their children by reducing stress and tension. But like all other aspects of co-parenting, both parties have to be willing to participate (meaning use the tool appropriately) for the arrangement to benefit the child.
If you’ve tried tools and resources like co-parenting apps and are still experiencing issues with your child’s other parent, it may be time to seek legal counsel. At Virginia Family Law Center, we have helped many couples create effective co-parenting plans and address conflicts related to child custody. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys, contact our office by phone or online.
