When sharing custody of a child, you have 2 options to consider, co-parenting or parallel parenting? Which method you choose will depend on your unique situation.
If you have maintained a decent relationship with the other parent, a co-parenting option may be best for you.
Co-parenting usually involves a lot of communication, a lot of teamwork and a lot of flexibility.
Both parents are essentially working together to parent the child, however if tensions between you and the other parent are high then a parallel parenting method may be better.
In this article I will explore the concept of what is parallel parenting, its core principles, advantages and how it differs from traditional co parenting methods.
Parallel parenting often includes almost no communication between the two parents, which means that there is going to be a really strict schedule.
The goal of this strict schedule is to limit communication, which hopefully should minimize conflicts and arguments.
So instead of frequent interactions and joint decision making like in co parenting, parallel parenting focuses on minimal contact and setting clear boundaries between parents.
The primary aim is to reduce conflicts and provide a stable environment for children by minimizing direct parental involvement.
The focus is on sharing only essential details about the children's welfare, such as schedules and health matters, usually communicated through written forms like emails or text messages.
This approach aims to prevent conflicts over parenting decisions and allows each parent to have independence within their own households.
This means there is little to no interference or involvement in the other parent's parenting methods, routines or activities during their time spent together.
Both parents are expected to prioritize their children's needs and uphold consistent parenting practices across both households.
This can help reduce feelings of resentment or power struggles that may arise in co parenting relationships.
Children are less likely to feel stuck in the middle or torn between their parents.
This routine can help children in accepting the changes that come with separation or divorce.
The following lists are a comparison of the 2 single parenting styles. For more info, see the detailed description below.
Co-parenting
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Parallel parenting
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While both parallel parenting and co parenting support the best interests of the children, they each have very different approaches especially for the cooperation of the parents.
Parallel parenting can serve as an effective approach for families facing high conflict or strained relationships, but it may not be suitable for everyone.
When deciding if parallel parenting suits your family, consider the following factors:
Conflict Level: If communication between parents remains consistently hostile, parallel parenting could offer a more manageable alternative compared to co parenting.
In conclusion:
Parallel parenting presents a practical option for families dealing with intense conflicts or strained relationships.
By focusing on minimal communication, clear boundaries and independent involvement, this approach aims to decrease disputes and promote consistency for children following a separation or divorce.
While it may not suit every family, parallel parenting offers a structured approach to co parenting in difficult situations, ultimately prioritizing the well being of the children.