Gratitude in co-parenting?

Yes, I know. Sometimes it feels like trying to find a thank-you note in a tornado.

But hear me out.

I used to think gratitude was something you felt after everything got better. But in blended family life (especially in co-parenting) it’s often what gets you through the mess.

Let me tell you about the time my stepkid’s mom and I accidentally showed up at the same event in matching jackets. (Cringe, right?) Instead of making it weird, she laughed and said, "Hey, at least we both have great taste!"

I could’ve let that moment slip by. But I chose to see it as a tiny win. A sign we were moving out of tension and into neutral territory. And guess what? Gratitude made it stick.

Why Gratitude Matters in Co-Parenting

Co-parenting requires emotional maturity, flexibility, and thick skin. And on top of that, there are so many opportunities for miscommunication, resentment, and old wounds to resurface.

Gratitude helps you:

• Stay grounded

• Recognize growth (even the slow kind)

• Keep the big picture in focus

It’s not about toxic positivity. It’s about noticing progress without requiring perfection.

Where to Look for Wins

Some days, the win is "nobody yelled."

Other days, it's "we coordinated drop-off without passive-aggressive texts."

Celebrate those.

• Did your ex agree to switch a weekend without drama?

• Did your spouse stand up for your parenting choices?

• Did your stepkid open up during dinner?

These moments matter. And when you name them, they multiply.

What If the Co-Parent Isn’t Easy to Work With?

Yep, been there.

Gratitude doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior. But it can mean finding peace in how you show up, even if they don’t.

Maybe you’re proud of how you responded calmly when you really wanted to snap. Or maybe you're just grateful you made it through another week without tears in the car.

That counts.

A Faith-Fueled Reframe

I believe God works in the cracks of our messy family dynamics. Gratitude is one of the ways we start to see His hand.

When I pray for the strength to be kind when I don't want to be, or the patience to pause instead of react, I usually find it. Not instantly,...but eventually.

Gratitude helps me remember: I'm not in this alone.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude is like compost. It doesn’t erase the mess, but it grows something beautiful out of it.

You don’t need a perfect co-parenting setup to start noticing the good. You just need a lens that lets you see it.

Want help seeing more clearly?

Take 5 minutes to schedule a Family Dynamics Audit and get personal insight tailored to your family.

Or come hang out on Instagram @itsmebrittneyp. It’s a safe space for stepmoms, moms, and faith-filled women learning to lead their families with calm, not chaos.

Because small wins? They add up to something good.