Co-parenting is a partnership in which both parents jointly take on the responsibility of raising their child after ending their romantic relationship. Parents who are on time and who stick to the same bedtimes, screen time limits and discipline procedures for their children are likely to be successful co-parents.
Different parenting styles can lead to several types of co-parenting arrangements following a divorce. By working together, co-parents can make the child’s adjustment to living in two homes a little easier. Cooperation is the key to making any co-parenting style work.
There are three styles of co-parenting:
1. Cooperative co-parenting
This method of child care encourages a collaborative approach to the care of your children. Regular communication between parents, sharing important details about their child’s needs and progress and organizing schedules to provide quality time for the child with each parent are all components of cooperative co-parenting.
Research suggests that children who experience cooperative co-parenting tend to have better mental health, higher self-esteem and better academic success because they grow up in an atmosphere that is constant, stable and supportive.
2. Parallel parenting
This is a method where parents raise their child independently without consulting each other to avoid conflict. Their parenting guidelines and daily routines may differ, which often results in inconsistent living for the child.
3. Conflicted co-parenting
Conflicted co-parenting is characterized by ongoing disputes and ineffective communication between parents, frequently leading to varying schedules, differing parenting approaches, and conflicting priorities. This may result in challenges when it comes to meeting a child’s needs or managing their daily routine, which can hinder their sense of inclusion.
Compromise plays a vital role in effective co-parenting, fostering adaptability and understanding. Creating your co-parenting agreement should be done with guidance to ensure you meet the needs of your child.