Parenting after divorce looks different for every family. People take different approaches because they might be easier or more peaceful; they might be best for a child or necessary because of geography.
Finding the right approach for your circumstances can help you overcome challenges and focus on your family. Thus, you might consider the following options.
Parallel parenting
Parallel parenting refers to parenting separately. Each parent operates independently without cooperation from the other person.
Parallel parenting allows parents to maintain their relationship with their child while minimizing the hostility and conflict that occurs when parents interact with each other.
This approach could be the best option for parents who do not get along or communicate effectively. It can also be suitable in situations where there is a history of violence between parents or mental health issues that prevent parties from being reasonable with each other.
Co-parenting
Co-parenting is on the other end of the parenting spectrum. In this arrangement, parents work together, communicate regularly and often make decisions regarding their children together.
This cooperative approach is often regarded as being best for a child. It can make it easier for a child to adapt to life after their parents’ divorce because it typically provides stability and support children benefit from during this difficult time.
People who might be well-suited to co-parent include parents who are amicable and trust each other. It often works well for people who solve problems together and can set aside any ill feelings toward each other for the sake of their child.
Somewhere in the middle
Many parents do not fall neatly into a parallel or co-parenting arrangement. Instead, they find a place somewhere in between these two approaches. For instance, you may not talk to each other often, but you might still discuss important events or decisions for your child.
Keep in mind that it can take time to find the parenting approach that works best for you, and prepare for that approach to change if your circumstances change.
Whatever approach you take to parenting after divorce, it should be one that reflects your rights as a parent and the best interests of your child.