Q. I have no idea how to co-parent when my ex is such a jerk and is always telling me how I screwed up: I can’t parent the kids right. I don’t cook nutritious food. I drink too much.

I’m so beaten down I don’t want to talk to them about anything, let alone consult them about our kids. What’s good ex-etiquette?

A. My first thought was, is your ex a jerk because they’re right? Sometimes we are most irritated when we are called out because we know that what has been said is true. If it’s all true, all three things are easily remedied. Possibly the most difficult would be to cut down on your drinking—but if you admit you are drinking too much when the kids are around, only you know if some soul searching is in order.

That said, former partners form their opinions based on past behaviors and

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