The Wounds of Co-Parenting Criticism — and healing balm of Respect, Restraint, and Repair.
When love between adults changes form, the task of co-parenting can test even the most well-intentioned. In moments of frustration or exhaustion, it can feel tempting to voice anger or disappointment about the other parent—especially when pain still lingers from a recent exchange, whether it’s this week or this morning. Yet when criticism of a co-parent happens in front of a child, it leaves marks deeper than either adult intends or even sees for some time.
The Sting of Criticism — and the Cure for Connection Loss.
Why words that judge can wound deeply, but couples can rebuild trust through empathy and repair. Criticism is different from expressing a complaint because, by definition, it attacks a partner’s character or personality rather than focusing on a specific behavior or issue. When criticism becomes prevalent in communication, partners stop feeling heard and start feeling attacked.