You have probably already seen the viral video of a little girl explaining to her parents why they should get along. “I want you and my dad to be friends.” These very honest words echo why cooperative divorce is necessary when you have children involved. Divorce mediation aims to provide both you and the other parent the ability to discuss your problems rather than leaving the communication up to adversarial attorneys. Lets dissect the great, simple, and adorable advice that this 6-year-old is giving to her mom.
“Mom, are you ready to be his friend?”
This is a great reminder that sometimes when relationships end, it takes awhile to get to a place where you can be friends. Even if you choose a lower conflict option like mediation, you may walk out of your last session still feeling less than friendly towards your soon-to-be-ex. However, meeting with a San Diego mediator to communicate about the divorce process is building a foundation to someday lead to a respectful friendship.
“Try not to be that high up.”
When many couples walk into mediation, they feel on-guard and protective. Sometimes you may need to take a deep breath and make compromises. Creating solutions needs to come from looking at challenges from a different perspective. If you are “high up”, you need to come down for the sake of co-parenting. Only then you may see things a bit differently.
“Just try your best.”
Divorce mediation is not easy. It takes a lot of work and patience from both parties. In mediation, many subjects are difficult and emotional to discuss. Your mediator will walk you through it every step of the way. All you have to do is try your best.
This very wise little girl just wants everyone she loves to get along and be friends. As this video went viral, it resonated very deeply with many parents who are divorced. While keeping things positive for the kids is difficult, it is not impossible. The mediators at West Coast Family Mediation have extensive experience in leading couples through the process of divorce in a low-conflict manner that creates stronger co-parenting relationships. To schedule your initial consultation, contact West Coast Family Mediation.
by: Amanda Singer
