What works
I have found that the single most important theme of my parenting style is consistency to the point of being ridiculous with carefully orchestrated periods of total or near-total insanity.

I feel very protective of our time together, so I have resisted enrolling the kids in large numbers of activities. In lieu of filling all their “free-time” with planned activities (and chauffeuring), we spend a lot of time just hanging out together. This works really well for their current age range (5 to 10 years). This is difficult when your ex believes in enrolling the kids in enough organized activities to fill almost all of their time. We have it in our separation agreement that this will be limited to one activity per weekend. School related activities on weeknights are usually not a big issue.

In short- being with dad is just that- a time when they share “my life” and vice versa. We have fun and we get done the stuff that needs to get done. It isn’t a special time when rules don’t apply or special rules apply.

I feel that it has been VERY important to resist arguing with my ex in person or otherwise within earshot of the kids. Also, I feel that it has also been crucial not to badmouth my ex. In fact, it almost goes without saying that whatever happens at “mommies house” is under her roof, her rules, her lifestyle, etc. This is not to say that my ex and I don’t “discuss” their behavior and their lives behind the scenes. But, more often than not, I have had to deal with the question “do they do this to you?…” in terms of daily interactions and parental treatment. On this front, in my case, I feel that a single parent has to pretty much rely on generating, sticking to and enforcing their own set of rules in their household.

It sort of goes without saying that the no badmouthing rule is necessarily a unilateral decision and may not be reciprocal- just as personal parenting styles are just that.

Your ex needs you. This can be demonstrated in several of ways. Gently establish your worth as a parent.
“We must be the change we wish to see.” M.K. Gandhi. Men rarely want sole custody of their children; most women don’t either, but may think that it will cost them to give up joint custody. Therefore, if shared parenting is what we want, then we must establish a good working relationship with the ex spouse. Each parent must do his or her best for their children. Stop to think, what is best for the kids.

Keep your long run goal in mind: shared parenting. Let small stuff go. Choose battles carefully.
Make them clean their room! At least once in a while. If they don’t have any respect for their space, they will have none for anyone else’s.

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What does NOT work
Attempts to threaten or bully your ex. Instead, show her that you can give her a break from single parenthood if she cooperates with you.

Violence and threats of violence are not in the best interests of the kids. They do not help to develop a good parenting relationship with your ex.

Loud or argumentative behavior. Gentle insistence on you most important issues is better.
Challenging every little thing your ex does with the kids. Better to choose your battles.

Legal violence (a scorched earth legal battle) is not in the kid’s best interests. Better to mediate or work with a counselor.
Very often, litigation does not work, except for the lawyers. I made a conscious decision to give my ex-wife extra child support and alimony in order to avoid costly, antagonistic litigation. Isn’t it better to give her the money rather than give it to a lawyer? And most importantly, the kids have benefited from reduced animosity.

I have sometimes made the mistake of taking a strident, demanding attitude with my ex. This has never worked for me. It is not good for the kids because it raises the level of tension when we exchange the kids.

Dads: Ten Ways to be a better dad.