Family Relationships: Keeping Kids in Contact With an Ex

This is a difficult situation that involves setting clear boundaries—both with your ex and with yourself. You can limit the amount of time you spend around your ex and spell out the nature of your interactions with him (e.g., keeping the conversation cordial when the kids are around). Also, no matter how you feel about him, you can set boundaries on what you share about your feelings with your kids (i.e., no negative comments about your ex to them). Maintaining these boundaries will require support from safe people in your life, so be sure to cultivate these positive relationships.