Co-parenting is not always as easy as the headlines make it seem. Some divorced spouses may find parallel parenting a better strategy. This article discusses a few benefits of parallel parenting.
Co-parenting is not always pleasant, but that is part of the territory of raising a child with an ex-spouse. But what if you cannot even get through a conversation with your co-parent without a fight?
Parallel parenting may be a viable solution if you do not get along with your child’s other parent. Some of the benefits of parallel parenting include:
- A reduction in conflict between co-parents.
- The preservation of the child’s relationship with both parents.
- Less stress during high-conflict situations.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these benefits.
Reduces Conflict between Co-Parents
If divorced spouses cannot resolve their disputes with each other in a calm, respectful manner, co-parents can benefit from a less confrontational approach. Parallel parenting is, in essence, an arrangement that seeks to keep direct contact between co-parents to a minimum. When divorced parents do not meet with or speak to one another, the chance of conflict is near zero.
The adults are not the only ones who stand to benefit from fewer conflicts, either. Children who witness their parents fighting may become scared or even blame themselves for the conflict, which can be harmful to their mental health and development.
Preserves the Child’s Relationship with Both Parents
While it is critical that children are shielded from conflict between their parents, it is also important to preserve their relationship with each parent whenever possible. Co-parents who choose the parallel parenting strategy give their child the benefit of having that crucial relationship with both parents without subjecting them to any of the conflict that would normally occur.
The child wins when both parents are active in raising them.
Lowers Stress during High-Conflict Situations
Co-parenting begins as soon as divorce papers are filed. During this time, it can feel like everything is thrown up in the air. The pain of the divorce can remain fresh for a long time. In short, stress is practically a constant when you are getting a divorce and even long after it is finalized.
One of the benefits of parallel parenting is that it allows co-parents to process their feelings as slowly as they need to. Seeing or interacting with an ex-spouse can cause stress to flare up, so the less time spent together, the better.
Talk to an Attorney about the Benefits of Parallel Parenting
To conclude, this co-parenting strategy is ideal for those who want to reduce conflict, preserve their child’s relationship with both parents, and lower the amount of stress brought on by divorce. If that sounds like something you are interested, you should speak to an experienced attorney about putting such a co-parenting plan in place.
Need to talk to an attorney about your situation? Get in touch with me today to set up a consultation so that we can discuss your needs and questions.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is a Divorce attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.