A new study suggests modern forms of communication like social media and text messaging can help children in Louisiana and other states cope with the changes that typically take place after a marriage ends. It was previously thought that the biggest factor with parent-child relationships post-divorce was how well the exes got along. But researchers discovered communication between parents and children is what matters most.

The study team reviewed data from divorced moms and dads with kids old enough to use modern communication methods. Some parents were cooperative with one another after their divorce, and others were moderately engaged or conflicted. Other aspects of the parent-child relationship, such as parental knowledge, closeness and discipline inconsistencies, were also considered.