How to Introduce Beacon to Your Co-Parent

Beacon Guide

How to Introduce Beacon to Your Co-Parent (Without Starting an Argument)

Asking an ex-partner to join a new app can feel awkward — especially in high-conflict situations. The key is to focus on convenience, cost and the benefit to both of you, rather than placing blame or making it sound like a demand. The three message templates below have been tested in Irish co-parenting contexts. Pick the one that fits your situation, copy it, and paste it into a text or WhatsApp.

Before you send

  • Sign up and get your invite link first — then add it at the end of whichever message you choose.
  • Replace [Name] with your co-parent's first name.
  • Keep the message short. Resist the urge to add context or justifications — they can trigger a defensive reaction.
  • If they don't respond, try a different template or send the link again a few days later. One message is rarely enough.

Three Strategies — Pick the One That Fits

No-Cost Option

Best when cost or convenience is the main selling point — your co-parent is price-conscious or just wants to simplify things.

Hi [Name], I want to make sure we keep child arrangements, expenses and the calendar properly in one place. I found an Irish app called Beacon — it's completely free for both of us to message, manage the calendar and log expenses (other co-parenting apps charge a monthly subscription). It keeps everything together so nothing gets lost. I've sent you an invite link — it only takes a couple of minutes to set up.

↑ Copy this, paste it into a text or WhatsApp, then add your invite link (you'll get it from the app after signing up).

Healthy Boundaries

Best when you want to separate parenting communication from personal messages, giving both of you more space.

Hi [Name], to keep things running more smoothly for the kids and give us both some space from parenting admin on our personal phones, I'd like to move all child scheduling and expense tracking to an app called Beacon. It separates our personal lives from childcare updates. I've already set up the kids' profiles — you just need to click the invite link to sync up.

↑ Copy this, paste it into a text or WhatsApp, then add your invite link (you'll get it from the app after signing up).

Court or Legal Case

Best when there is an active court case, formal mediation, or a solicitor is involved — frames Beacon as a neutral, documented channel.

Hi [Name], following advice to keep our childcare communications documented, verifiable and neutral, I've set up an account on Beacon Co-Parenting — an Irish platform built for court-compliant record keeping. It costs nothing to use day-to-day. Please accept the invite so we can log all future handovers, expenses and messages formally.

↑ Copy this, paste it into a text or WhatsApp, then add your invite link (you'll get it from the app after signing up).

What if they say no, or don't reply?

You can still use Beacon as a solo tracking log. Log handovers, expenses and key events from your side only — it builds a court-ready record even without your co-parent's participation. If the matter ever goes to court, having a consistent, timestamped log from one parent is better than no record at all.

Many parents find that once they start logging things on their own, the co-parent comes around when they see it mentioned at a court date or mediation session.

Get your invite link

Sign up free and go to the Family tab to generate your co-parent invite link. It's free for both of you to use.

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