Newly Single Drew Barrymore Offers Up Some Wise Words On Divorced Parenting

Ending a marriage when there are children involved is never easy. Finding a way to navigate life as a family where mum and dad no longer live together can be tricky, but actress Drew Barrymore recently revealed how she makes co-parenting work. Since ending their nearly-four-year marriage in August, Barrymore and ex-husband Will Kopelman are working on making their new lives apart work for their two young daughters Olive, four, and Frankie, two. The 41-year-old recently dished to Entertainment Tonight what she thinks is the key to successful co-parenting. “I think plans. Constant plans. We, as a family, have three dates for this Halloween."

#labordayvibes roadside horse hang out. Luckily I had carrots in my car!

A photo posted by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) on Sep 4, 2016 at 11:30am PDT

And experts agree with Barrymore on the importance of continuing to do things as a family after a marriage breaks down. Psychotherapist and relationship expert Tina B. Tessina recently told The Bump that it is important for children of divorce to still feel like they're part of a family. "You can be as distant and pleasant as you would be with a stranger if you have to," Tessina said. "Your kids still need and want to belong to a family." Barrymore says it's not only plans between the immediate family that are important for her personally, but also still feeling part of her ex-husband's family.

3. WAY TO GO! A photo posted by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) on Oct 12, 2016 at 8:19am PDT

Barrymore explains the morning she woke up to an email from Kopelman's mother Coco looking to lock down a date for a birthday party that worked for Barrymore because as her former mother-in-law put it, "It's not the same without you." "Families are many different definitions in this day and age," the newly single mum-of-two explains and says the key is to "just be a family" whatever that might mean for you.