Divorce, under even the best circumstances, is challenging. If you have separated from your spouse because of a toxic or negative environment and cannot remain civil, sharing custody of your children is difficult. We often help Kentucky clients find a solution where both parents can be part of their child’s life while maintaining distance from each other.
According to Healthline, the parallel parenting approach minimizes the interaction between you and your ex. The goal includes detaching from each other and choosing how to parent when your child is with you.
Advantages of parallel parenting
Breaking away from an untenable situation can become exhausting and frustrating if you are trying to co-parent. Parallel parenting helps you avoid it, allowing you and your ex to each decide your own parenting styles. You can maintain distance, communicating only as needed, and it does not negatively impact your child. A formal method, such as email, can reduce emotional outbursts in situations when you must communicate. It can help you maintain a professional relationship.
Differences from Co-Parenting
In co-parenting, people who are no longer married, living together or in a romantic relationship maintain equal responsibility for their child’s upbringing. Both parents may attend events together, such as school functions or doctors’ appointments. There is frequent communication as mom and dad update each other on changing schedules and needs. If you do not have a good relationship with your ex, this parenting method may not be realistic.
Parallel parenting may be a temporary way to help both of you remain an active part of your child’s life while working through some personal issues. You can parallel parent even if you have joint custody or need to modify the original parenting plan.