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Essential Parenting Apps for Divorced Parents

December 13, 2024

Relationships

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Navigating co-parenting as divorced parents can be challenging but, with the right tools and mindset, you can create a harmonious environment for your children. Open and effective communication is the key to making this work.

Move On’s family mediator Ian Shann shares his top tips for clear communication, the advantages of using technology and a selection of helpful Apps for divorced parents in Australia.

Communicating as Divorced Parents

Divorce may mean the end of a marriage but, when it comes to raising your children, it doesn’t mean the end of teamwork. Here are a few communication tips to help you minimise misunderstandings and conflict:

  1. Keep communication clear and focused on the children. Avoid bringing up unresolved emotional issues or rehashing past arguments.
  2. Use neutral and respectful language. This can help prevent unnecessary tension.
  3. Document decisions and agreements in writing. Whether it is through email, text, or a co-parenting App, having a written record of what has been agreed reduces the risk of disputes.
  4. Agree on boundaries for communication. Decide on preferred methods and times to avoid intrusive messages during busy or personal moments.

By maintaining a professional and cooperative tone, you’ll create a positive co-parenting relationship that benefits everyone, especially your children.

The Benefits of Using Technology for Co-Parenting

Modern technology offers powerful tools to simplify co-parenting. Apps specifically designed for divorced parents can help streamline communication, manage schedules and even reduce potential disputes. These tools can:

  • Provide a neutral platform for communication.
  • Offer features like shared calendars, expense tracking and message archiving.
  • Help ensure that everyone is on the same page, thereby avoiding miscommunication.
  • Create a written record of agreements and discussions, to reduce “he said/she said” conflicts.

Let’s explore some of the most popular Apps for divorced parents in Australia that can be used to improve co-parenting.

Parenting Apps for Divorced Parents

1. Our Family Wizard Co-Parent App

Overview: Designed specifically for co-parenting, this App provides tools like shared calendars, expense tracking and secure messaging. Its “ToneMeter™” feature even helps you keep your messages positive and constructive.

Website: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com.au/

  • Free trial? No, but offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
  • Cost: Starts at $154 AUD per parent per year, depending on the AUD/USD exchange rate.

2. 2houses

Overview: This App is a great all-rounder, offering features like calendars, expense management, shared photo albums, and journals for co-parenting communication. It’s user-friendly and ideal for parents with busy schedules.

Website: https://www.2houses.com/

  • Free trial? Yes, 14 days
  • Cost: Starts at $199 AUD per year for the whole family, not per parent.

3. Talking Parents

Overview: A communication-focused App that archives all messages and files them for future reference, ensuring transparency. Its paid plans offer additional features like downloadable records.

Website: https://talkingparents.com/

  • Free trial? No, but offers a free plan with website access only.
  • Cost: Free basic plan; paid plans are $12 USD per month per person for the standard plan and $27 USD per month per person for the premium plan.

4. AppClose

Overview: One of the few completely free Apps, AppClose provides tools like calendars, messaging, and expense tracking. It’s a budget-friendly option without compromising on functionality. Although based in America, the App is available to download in Australia as well.

Website: https://appclose.com/

  • Free trial? N/A (Free to use)
  • Cost: Free

5. WeParent

Overview: WeParent focuses on simplifying shared parenting schedules, contacts, and documents. It’s ideal for parents seeking a fairly simple and straightforward app.

Website: https://help.weparent.app/hc/en-us

  • Free trial? Yes, 14 days
  • Cost: $9.99 USD per month or $99 USD annually or $199 USD for a lifetime subscription.

6. Peaceful Co-Parenting Messenger

Overview: This App offers a safe and secure platform for co-parenting communication, helping reduce conflict through structured and documented messaging.

Website: https://www.peacefulparentapp.com/

  • Free trial? No, but free version available with limited functionality.
  • Cost: $14.99 USD per month or $97.99 per year.

7. Cozi Family Organiser

Overview: Perfect for managing schedules, Cozi is a versatile App that allows families to share calendars, shopping lists, and meal plans. While not co-parenting-specific, it’s still a fantastic organisational App for divorced parents.

Website: https://www.cozi.com/

  • Free trial? N/A (Free to use with ads)
  • Cost: Free, with premium version options starting from $49.99 USD annually.

8. FamilyWall: Family Organizer

Overview: This App focuses on shared calendars, task management and secure messaging, making it a practical choice for busy families managing multiple activities.

Website: https://www.familywall.com/en/index.html

  • Free trial? Yes, 14 days
  • Cost: Free basic plan; premium starts at $4.99 USD per month.

There are many more Apps available to assist parents to co-parent effectively and co-operatively after separation and divorce. A quick search of the web will show you how many there are and each has a point of difference that might appeal.

Remember that co-parenting doesn’t have to be a source of stress. With open communication and the help of technology, you can ensure smoother interactions, better organisation and a more peaceful co-parenting journey. Apps for divorced parents, like those listed above, provide practical solutions for managing schedules, expenses, and communication, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your children.

If you’re already using any of these parenting apps for divorced parents and co-parenting challenges still persist, or you need help navigating complex situations, Move On Mediation is here to assist.

Contact Ian Shann today for a confidential and obligation-free discussion about how family mediation can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

ian shann

Ian Shann

Accredited Family Mediator in Perth

Ian’s commitment is simple—to help keep separated couples out of the Family Court and minimise their need for lawyers, saving them time, money and anguish. Under Ian’s guidance, separated couples are able to Move On with their lives through family mediation.

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Reviews From Our Family Mediation Clients

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The process was so much quicker and easier than I anticipated – after everything I have heard about lawyers! And it was re-assuring for me to know how much it was going to cost at the start, not when it was all over. Thanks, Ian. I’d recommend you to anyone who wants a solution seeker and quick results.

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