Co-parenting families can have big circles of caregivers – often including the other parent’s new significant other, a neighbor to help with schedule gaps, or family and friends that help out when needed. Engaging in positive interactions with your co-parent, as well as all new (or old!) caregivers can be an important step in demonstrating healthy relationships to your child.

Be an eParent®! Speak positively about your co-parent, including on social media like Facebook or Twitter.

By modeling healthy relationships with the multiple adults in your child’s life, you both set an example of respecting others and remind your child that the one constant is that both parents (and caregivers) love the child and are concerned about his or her well-being. By extending this to social media, you are openly committing to the positive relationship, and showing that you mean it in both your real and “virtual life” – consistently reassuring your child that everyone is working toward the same goals. This viral soccer game photo on Facebook shows co-parenting at its finest.

Do you want to learn more about how your family can be healthy in your use of technology? Take a look at the family tip sheets from Common Sense Media on such topics as cyberbullying, online security, and digital relationships.

Learn more about the University of Wisconsin – Madison/Extension Human Development & Relationships Institute online or on Facebook.