Parallel Parenting and Building a Healthy Co-Parent Relationship
Many Florida parents navigating the divorce process are not only ending their marital relationship but are beginning a co-parenting relationship. In situations where communication and cooperation between parents is difficult for one reason or another, parallel parenting can be an effective approach.
Parallel parenting is a co-parenting method that allows parents to disengage from each other while still being actively involved in their children’s lives. It is often recommended if the couple divorcing has conflicts or ongoing disagreements between the adults of the family that impedes decision-making when it comes to child rearing. To determine if parallel parenting is the right approach for you, discuss the details of your situation with a Port St. Lucie family law attorney.
Tips for Successful Parallel Parenting
In parallel parenting, each parent maintains their rules, routines, and responsibilities to provide stability and consistency for the children. Often having clear channels of communication is helpful. Choosing a method, such as email, text messaging, or a dedicated co-parenting app, that will work for you and your ex means a sole communication channel is established to discuss important matters related to the children. Dedicated apps or text groups can be helpful for keeping communication focused on the children’s needs, particularly when parents agree to leave other misunderstandings and disputes off the dedicated communication channel.
Additionally, deciding on consistent rules and routines for the children, including bedtimes, homework schedules, and disciplinary approaches, can provide kids with stability and parents with set guidelines. Of course, each parent will have specific rules connected to their separate households, but it is important to ensure that major issues are discussed and agreed upon, including decisions made around education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
Professional Mediation and Prioritizing Children
If you have tried to set up constructive communication channels but the process of co-parenting remains difficult, consider seeking the assistance of a professional mediator or a family law attorney. Mediation provides a neutral space for parents to work through conflicts and find mutually agreeable solutions, which help parents focus on problem-solving and minimizing tension.
Children may struggle with divided loyalties when their parents end a marriage, or in other situations kids have trouble adjusting to different rules and routines when they begin living in two homes rather than one. Whatever your family concerns are, there are supports available in order to provide kids with support during the transition.
If you are interested in fostering a positive co-parenting environment that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of your children after a divorce or separation but aren’t sure how to begin the process, talk to a Port St. Lucie family law attorney.
What communication guidelines have you set up to effectively co-parent? Parallel parenting is an effective strategy for co-parents facing communication difficulties. By establishing communication channels, maintaining consistent rules, showing respect, seeking professional mediation when necessary, and providing emotional support for the children, parents can create a healthy co-parenting relationship. To learn more, connect with the attorneys at Baginski, Brandt & Brandt, contact us to book an appointment.
