Using Parallel Parenting as an Alternative to Co-Parenting

 Posted on June 05,2020 in Child Custody

When you have children with another person, you will forever be connected to that person, whether you like it or not. Divorcing couples who have minor children must figure out some sort of agreement for how they will divide their parenting time and how they will allocate their parental responsibilities. Most parents will opt to agree to co-parenting, meaning you work together with your child’s other parent to raise them. However, co-parenting requires a specific degree of communication and cooperation, which not all couples have. For some high-conflict couples, a parallel parenting agreement is a much better option.

What Is Parallel Parenting?

In a normal co-parenting relationship, both parents are able to communicate and are willing to cooperate with one another as they raise their children. In some situations, however, that is not possible. Couples who have exhibited an inability to get along with one another may do better in a parallel parenting situation. Parallel parenting is similar to co-parenting, but with parallel parenting, the parents are disengaged from one another and have limited communication with one another. This style of parenting is meant to reduce the conflict between the parents and the tension that the children may feel.

Benefits of Parallel Parenting

Though it is not necessary for all couples, there can be many benefits to parallel parenting for couples who need it. The basis of parallel parenting is to reduce the amount of interaction between the parents, which in turn reduces the likelihood that you and your spouse will fight or argue in front of the children. Studies have shown that children do not respond to conflict well and can actually suffer long-term consequences if they are constantly exposed to it. In cases where parents cannot seem to get along, parallel parenting is in the best interests of the children.

Contact an Elmhurst, IL Parenting Plan Attorney For More Information

In some situations, a parallel parenting agreement may work better than a co-parenting agreement. Most of the time, you will be able to tell whether or not traditional co-parenting will work for your family. If you have a difficult spouse or you think there will be communication or cooperation issues with your parenting agreement, you should speak with a knowledgeable DuPage County parenting plan lawyer. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we can help you and your ex-spouse determine the right type of parenting plan for your family. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 312-605-4041.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/co-parenting-after-divorce/201309/parallel-parenting-after-divorce#:~:text=Parallel%20parenting%20is%20an%20arrangement,other%20in%20a%20respectful%20manner.

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/parallel-parenting#vs-co-parenting