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Their relationship troubles have been well documented, and in a recent interview for Kourtney's lifestyle website, Poosh, the mom and dad of three opened up about their co-parenting journey, revealing that they couldn't imagine raising their children any other way.
"It's not the easiest thing for us... [but] I couldn't imagine raising three children with somebody I couldn't speak to," said Scott.
Kourtney said she felt lucky that they've been able to make it work.
"Nobody knows our kids better than us... to be able to come up with solutions together...what else could you want?"
Also see: "My step daughters will always have a place to call home"
Have you made co-parenting work with an ex? Tell us your story, and we could publish your email. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
When the conversation moved to what they found most challenging about co-parenting with an ex, Kourtney said things got really rocky when they found new love.
"I think the hardest part was when we both started new relationships... because that caused fights between you and I, about introducing the kids... we had to literally go to therapy [just] to talk."
For Scott, it was setting the appropriate boundaries and how learning from trial and error eventually got them to a "good place."
"I think the biggest challenge was just trying to figure out how we separate our relationship as friends and parents and still be on the same page...[figuring out] what's appropriate and what's not."
Watch the full interview below:
Flying the flag for co-parenting
Locally, media personality Masechaba Ndlovu and kwaito star, Nomasonto ‘Mshoza’ Maswanganyi have also shared their co-parenting experiences.
In April, Masechaba took to Twitter to thank not one but two of her exes for their continued support of their children despite the failed relationships.
Twice a lady
Read the full Move! story here: Masechaba Ndlovu has perfected co-parenting – and this is how you can do it too
In an interview with Move! magazine, Nomasonto said that despite an ugly breakup with ex-husband, Jacob Mnisi, she's thankful for being able to count on him for support and friendship.
“Jacob and I are really good friends, when it comes to our children we really do our best for them,” she said.
See what Mshoza's interview with Move!'s Bonolo Sekudu here: Mshoza on being a mother and successfully co-parenting with her ex
Expert advice
Speaking to Move! magazine's Boitumelo Matshaba, Education Psychologist at The Family Life Centre, Claudia Abelheim advises that for couples struggling to make things work, setting aside personal grudges is the most important step.
"Your own feelings need to put aside, in order to give the best to your child. Remember, the child that you love so dearly is made up of half of you and half of your ex-spouse,” she said, explaining that co-parenting plays a big role in reducing stress for a child whose parents are going through a divorce.
“Your children’s best interests should always be your priority. Remember that your children did not choose for their parents to get divorced. Whilst lifestyle changes are inevitable, good co-parenting will reduce the amount of stress that a child will experience when going through a divorce process.”
Here are some additional sources of information for readers interested in knowing more:
- AppClose helps you co-parent effectively
- Guide to being a happy blended family
- 10 ways parents can do divorce differently
- How not to hate your ex
Chat back:
Have you made co-parenting work with an ex? Tell us your story, and we could publish your email. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
