Co-Parenting: What is it? It’s Pros and Cons

A new way of parenting for divorced couples is increasing, i.e. co-parenting. The co-parenting method is to provide love and the best life to their children. In this, parents maintain open communication to establish a new home life for their children.

Co-Parenting – What is it?

Co-parenting is a process of parenting opted for by a divorced couple. Instead of taking the case to court, the couple worked together to decide their children’s lives.

Instead of co-parenting, numerous separated parents opt for a parallel parenting arrangement, where they aim to minimize direct interaction while still maintaining relationships with their children.

Parents might live together and have good communication, whereas they might even live separately and have less contact. Preference is made according to the circumstances as the main outcome is for the children’s best.

Some parents create a “bird-nesting plan” for their families. This initiation is taken to create stability in a child’s life. Bird nesting involves children living in family homes, and parents take turns chance by chance to stay with their children. It seems fair because children should get love from both parents and should grow up in their home.

Pros of Co-parenting

1) Benefits for children

Co-parenting can be very beneficial for the children. Parents working together even after divorce makes things normal around children. Hence, they become less stressed. It also prevents further destruction in a child’s life.

2) Stability

Kids who get experience this form of parenting, gets consistency in communication, expectations, and day-to-day schedules. All this eventually brings stability to their lives, along with a feeling of safety.

3) Less Parentification

Divorce children often feel stressed as they assume to be responsible for providing emotional support to both parents. It is beneficial for removing this kind of stress from children.

4) Conflict Resoulution

Co-parenting can indirectly teach children about emotions and how to manage relationships. They also learn about cooperating with others during undesirable situations.

Cons of Co-Parenting

1) Can’t Express Your True Feelings

When you are co-parenting, you must learn to set aside the negative feelings you have towards your ex, especially in front of your children. You might even feel suffocated sometimes, but remember the target is to provide the best life for your children.

2) Not Possible for Every-Couple

Everyone can’t control their emotions. So, co-parenting becomes impossible for many couples, especially if they have a very toxic past. If you think you are continuously getting disrespected, then discontinue it as your conflicts will disturb the mental health of your child.

3) Conflicting Schedules

Many working co-parents find it difficult to make adjustments in their schedules according to their ex. They are not able to manage time with their children and workload. This again makes the situation unstable for the children.

Additional Tips for Successful Co-Parenting

1) Prioritize Healing

It’s common to feel hurt and disrupted after divorce and the situation becomes more frustrating in co-parenting as you have to communicate with your ex regularly. The situation can be very challenging but try to help yourself first, heal yourself from within, and then continue the process.

2) Keep Open Communication With Your Ex

Co-parenting can’t be done without communication. But this doesn’t mean you and your ex have to become close again. Be clear from the first day and talk about children only.

3) Don’t act Rudley in Front of Kids

The anger just can’t fly away. Therefore, you will have days when you just can’t control your emotions. But remember to not speak rudely or negatively in front of your children.

4) Find Support System

A support system can be of trusted friends and family which can comfort or motivate you whenever needed. It is essential to have a support system to manage the challenges of co-parenting.

These were the details of co-parenting. You can always go for therapy whenever you are not feeling mentally well. So, if you are not getting support from your friends and family, then visit a psychologist.

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