Raising children when you aren’t in a romantic relationship any longer is challenging in just about every case. Things can get much more complicated when your ex is a narcissist. The self-centered nature of narcissism makes it almost impossible for them to compromise with others.
Trying to communicate with a narcissistic co-parent can often feel like you’re walking on eggshells. These tips may not take away all the stress of the situation, but it may reduce it some.
Refrain from showing emotion
There’s a good chance that you’ll have emotional conversations with your ex, but you can’t let your emotions show. Narcissists gain power when they’re able to invoke emotions in others. Because of this, you should avoid letting them see any reactions, regardless of what antics they choose to employ.
Limit communication to child-related matters
A narcissist will often try to shift the conversation to matters about them, but that’s never a good idea. Be sure that you keep the communication centered on the children so you can make decisions that are in their best interest. Your ex may be resistant to this, so it might be a good idea to limit the communication to written options. This may help you to better control the topics, plan your responses and have proof of what’s said.
When you’re co-parenting with a narcissist, you need to ensure that you have a solid parenting plan. This should include as much information as possible about the arrangement, including communication and dispute resolution. Having experienced legal guidance will help you negotiate this plan so that it’s clear and fair.