When parents end their marriage, their responsibilities toward their children do not stop. They may still work together to raise their kids through custody, placement and child support. Therefore, divorcees who want to be co-parents need to have constant communication, cooperation and collaboration.
When cooperation bears fruit
According to a study on parenting setups, co-parenting affects how families adjust after the divorce. In addition, low-conflict parenting has positive effects because parents are able to set aside their differences. Because of low-conflict co-parenting, children may attain the following:
- Resilience: They tend to have good mental health because their parents reduce or avoid conflicts. They are usually more mature when their parents set good examples as cooperative co-parents.
- Positive adjustments: They may cope better when their parents continue doing their usual parenting practices and traditions. Also, they could adjust well to the new family situation when their parents promote peace and respect while co-parenting.
- Healthy relationships with their parents: There is less stress when they don’t get to witness their parents’ arguments. Additionally, they do not have to deal with parental alienation.
Although low-conflict co-parenting is beneficial, the study added that it is difficult to achieve or maintain it. Hence, high-conflict co-parenting exists when parents refuse to cooperate and fail to manage negative emotions.
Effects of high-conflict co-parenting
A high-conflict co-parenting setup may involve arguments, legal disputes, hostility or domestic violence. Conflicts may arise when the parents continue to suffer from distress due to their divorce.
High-conflict co-parenting may cause parents to practice inconsistent parenting. In addition, it could lead children to suffer from long-term negative psychological effects like distrust or trauma.
Prioritizing your children
Moving on after your divorce entails strength so that you can keep going while making your children your top priority. Despite the difficulties, striving to achieve low-conflict co-parenting may help you move forward in peace. More importantly, it could assure your children that you and your ex will continue to be present in their lives.