Exetiquette
Author: Melanie Mullinax

Looking for more ways to build a healthier relationship with your ex after divorce?
Check out the book “Ex-Etiquette for Parents: Good Behavior After a Divorce
or Separation” by Jann Blackstone-Ford and Sharyl Jupe.
Blackstone-Ford is a certified mediator who specializes in divorce and stepfamily conflict resolution and the director of Bonus Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to peaceful coexistence between divorced parents and their new families. Jupe is her husband’s ex-wife.
Their unique relationship and real-life experience add credibility to the advice they give.
While Blackstone-Ford says building a good relationship with your ex after divorce takes time, there are some steps you can take immediately.
Following are “The Ten Rules to Good Ex-Etiquette” taken from page 11 of the book.
“³If you analyze them, basically they are just the Ten Commandments using your children as the criteria for good decision making,” Blackstone-Ford says.

The Ten Rules of Good Ex-Etiquette:
1. Put the children first.
2. Ask for help when you need it.
3. No bad-mouthing.
4. Biological parents make the rules; bonus parents uphold them.
5. Don’t be spiteful.
6. Don’t hold grudges.
7. Use empathy whenever possible.
8. Be honest and straightforward.
9. Respect each others’ turf.
10. Compromise whenever possible.

For more information on raising a healthy family after divorce, Blackstone-Ford suggests visiting Bonus Families’ Web site, www.bonusfamilies.com.
“As a nonprofit, we sell nothing - just offer free help and advice to those struggling with parenting after divorce or separation,” Blackstone-Ford says.

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