Our Family Wizard recently offered a webinar to divorce mediators at NJAPM. It was actually quite helpful. Our Family Wizard has been around for a long time and may be the OG communication tool for high conflict divorced co-parents. However, it also serves low conflict divorced parents effectively. While Our Family Wizard is a pioneer and has continuously adapted its offerings, it is not the only service provider available to smooth communication about children for divorced parents. Regardless of the tool, effective co-parenting communication always requires effort, either directly or indirectly with one another.
Our Family Wizard is not the only option. DComply, AppClose and CustodyXChange are other popular examples. Each one has its pros and cons. The best choice depends on your specific needs and how you want to use the program. The key to success with any of these platforms is consistent effort on your part to actually use the program. While it might seem cumbersome at first, using these apps quickly becomes second nature and very worthwhile.
Friendly co-parents can also find numerous benefits when using a co-parenting app. For instance, reconciling child-related expenses becomes much simpler. Instead of at the end of each month tracking down receipts and sharing that you owe me for ice-skating, and I owe you for cub scouts, you can input expenses as they occur. There is even a way to keep track of general information for your children and update it as needed. What size shoe are they now? When did they last go to the dentist? If verbal communication with your co-parent is challenging, these apps offer alternatives like emails and texts. Some programs will track these communications and even have a “tone monitor” to help ensure the message is sent in a neutral manner. Messages are time-stamped, showing when a message was sent, viewed, and responded to.
One of the most helpful features is the shared calendar. It not only helps you map out the expected parenting plan you developed but can also facilitate any changes to this parenting plan on an as needed basis. Real life happens and changes are inevitably needed at times. You can easily add practices, appointments, and other events to the shared calendar, so everyone is on the same page about the children’s schedules.
Most apps offer a free trial period, allowing you to shop around and find the best fit for you and your family’s needs. Technology can be a powerful and useful tool. Let it work for you to help make your co-parenting relationship successful.
