Benefits of Co-Parenting

Co-parenting is when two parents who have divorced, are not living together, or are no longer involved romantically are able to raise their children together with minimal conflict. Typically, parents who co-parent are able to make decisions regarding the children together, each have their own relationship with their children, modify visitations with relative ease, and attend functions (sporting events, birthdays, visitation exchange, etc.) without disruption or conflict but rather with cordial, respectful behavior.

Co-parenting is one of the best ways to continue to raise your children after a divorce but it can also be emotionally taxing because of how closely you would have to work with your ex. Experts agree that if parents are able to co-parent effectively, there are several benefits for their child(ren):

• They will have improved communication skills. Leading by example, parents can show children how to effectively communicate, no matter the circumstance.
• They will feel a greater sense of security. Through co-parenting or parallel parenting, children are able to maintain a close bond with both of their parents which can lead to feeling more secure in their home life and have increased self-esteem.
• They will most likely have fewer trust issues and better interpersonal relationships by watching their parents as they grow up to maintain a level of respect and continued communication and cooperation during a time of conflict.
• Improved problem-solving skills can also be the result of being raised with the co-parenting method.

Legacy Law of Florida can assist you with filing for divorce, navigating custody issues or questions, or developing a parenting plan that encourages co-parenting. Our attorneys are experienced family law practitioners who always put the best interest of the child above all others in each case we handle.

Source: Divorce Magazine, “What is the difference between co-parenting and parallel parenting?”, accessed Dec 4, 2016