Fifty percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Many of these marriages involve children; however, the need for continued parenting does not end when the marriage ends. Two people involved in a divorce may find themselves looking for the best way to continue their parental relationship once their romantic relationship ends. Enter co-parenting.
Learn more about co-parenting and the benefits it can bring your family if you are successful.
What is Co-Parenting?
The term “co-parenting” is a relatively new term that usually refers to two parents that are no longer romantically involved but share the responsibility in raising their children in a mutually respectful manner. This includes those that have legally divorced but have joint custody.
Co-parenting allows children the opportunity to have as “normal” an upbringing as possible. Co-parenting lets the children share love freely to both parents, and a have a relationship with each that is encouraged and allowed by the other.
All significant decisions, incidents, consequences, discussions, etc. are addressed between the two co-parents, which means remaining a united front in those aspects, even when a romantic relationship does not exist.
In ideal co-parenting situations, both parents put their differences aside for the betterment of their children and work together to raise them. Long term communication with one another is typically required in co-parenting situations and will likely involve necessary problem-resolution discussions and mutual responsibility. This can be difficult after the end of a romantic relationship but can lead to a much better situation where the children can reap major benefits.
Benefits of Co-Parenting
There are many benefits for children involved in successful co-parenting relationships:
- Good relationship with both parents: Children are “allowed” to have a good, positive relationship with both parents when they do not have to choose sides. When co-parents speak kindly and respectfully about one another and to each other, the stage is set for positive relationships.
- Stability and security: Children are more likely to feel safe, stable, and secure with consistency in schedules, communication, and expectations from both parents. When children feel safe at home, they are likely to handle change and challenges without feeling defeated.
- Improved life skills: Children with cooperative co-parents can learn quite a bit about essential life skills such as communication skills nd conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Positive example: Children that witness a successful co-parenting situation can learn to work well with others, even when the situation is not ideal. They learn that even complicated relationships can be healthy and successful with effective communication, kindness, and respect.
Choose Ault Firm, P.C.
Those that find themselves no longer wanting to continue in a marriage or relationship but are dedicated to giving their children a stable, loving environment may find co-parenting to be an ideal solution. If you are going through a divorce and need legal representation, reach out to the knowledgeable team of attorneys at Ault Firm, P.C. today.