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By Daniella Gray
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A mom of two has gone viral after sharing a series of texts from her ex-husband that many wouldn't expect from divorced parents.
Maddie Muhs, 33, shared screenshots of messages from her co-parent in a post on Instagram (@itsmaddiemuhs).
"I feel like divorce and co-parenting always is so negative online," Muhs told Newsweek. "I wanted to share some light on relationships that end but are still healthy."
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One text read, "Don't forget tomorrow is bulk trash and recycling. Do you want help carrying all your stuff to the kerb?"
In another, he offered assistance with a routine car issue, writing: "I'll make an appointment for your tires."
"Are you sharing location with anyone? Traveling alone and whatnot (that's the dad in me)," he wrote.
One message of encouragement read: "They know you love them. You're a great mother."
Her post has gone viral with more than 70,000 likes and shares.
When asked how her co-parenting relationship differs from others, Muhs said the foundation of their relationship has always been a shared commitment to their children.
But that hasn't meant the journey was easy.
"Do not get me wrong, we have been through it, and it has not always been like this with us," Muhs said. "Divorce is hard on anyone, but at the end of the day, we have to put our kids first."
Over time, however, both parents came to realize that maintaining a positive relationship would ultimately benefit their children.
"Once the 'bitterness' settled, we both could see that clearly," Muhs said. "If he's happy and healthy, my kids will be too, and vice versa."
The single mom described her relationship with her children's father as one of the most important in her life, despite the end of their marriage.
Among the thousands of comments, many users praised the parents' amenable and "healthy" relationship.
"Better than some people WHILE married," one user wrote.
"When you marry a decent human being but maybe it just doesn’t work out," another wrote. "Thank you for sharing this is possible."
"I couldn’t love this more," a third said. "Putting your personal feelings aside for your kids is the best gift you can give them."
When people learn about their dynamic, Muhs said they are often surprised by how well they get along.
"They ask us when we are getting back together," she said. "We don't really care if anyone understands it though. It works for us."
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Kara Dolman and Emma Lee-Sang
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