Co-parenting text message examples.

1 Schedule change or swap request

Hi [name]. [Child] has [event] on [date]. Would you be open to swapping [your day] for [my day]? Please let me know by [day] so we can both plan. Thanks.

That swap works for me. So [child] is with me [day/time] and with you [day/time]. Thanks for asking ahead.

2 Running late

I’m running about [15] minutes late for the [time] exchange. I’ll be there by [time]. Sorry for the change.

Checking in about the [time] exchange at [place]. Are you still on your way? Please let me know your timing.

3 Pickup and drop-off logistics

Confirming pickup on [day] at [time] at [place]. [Child]’s [backpack/medicine] will be in the bag.

Could we move this Sunday’s drop-off to [place]? [Brief reason]. If not, I’ll plan on the usual spot.

4 Child sick or medical appointment

[Child] has a fever this morning and is staying home from school. The doctor can see [him/her/them] at [time]. I’ll text you after the visit.

[Child] saw Dr. [name] today for [reason]. Next steps: [medicine/care]. The follow-up is [date] at [time]. Sharing so you have the details.

[Child] is taking [medicine], [dose] at [times], through [date]. It’s in the front pocket of [his/her/their] bag.

5 School event or report card

[Child]’s [school event] is on [date] at [time] at [place]. Sharing so you have it.

Report cards came home today. I’ll send you a photo tonight. [Teacher] has conference times on [dates] if you’d like to book one.

6 Holiday or vacation swap

I’d like to take [child] to [place] from [date] to [date], during my regular time. I can be reached at [phone] while we’re away. Let me know if you have questions.

For [holiday] this year, would you consider [proposal]? I’m open to [other option] too. Could you let me know by [date]?

7 Shared expense or reimbursement

Here’s the receipt for [child]’s [expense] on [date]: $[total]. Your share is $[amount]. Could you send it by [date] through [method]? Thanks.

Got your payment of $[amount] for [expense]. Thank you.

8 Confirming an agreement in writing

Just confirming what we agreed on the phone: [summary]. Let me know if I got anything wrong.

To confirm: this weekend’s exchange moves to [day/time] at [place], this one time only. Our regular schedule continues after that.

9 Declining a request politely

Thanks for asking. I can’t make that change this time because [brief reason]. The regular schedule stays as is.

I’m not able to do [request], but I could do [alternative] if that helps.

10 Replying to a hostile message (brief, informative, friendly, firm)

I read your message. About pickup: I’ll be at [place] at [time] as scheduled.

I see it differently. I’d like to keep our messages about [child]. On [practical issue]: [answer].

I’ll answer the question about [topic]: [answer]. I won’t be replying to the rest.