Parallel Parenting Vs. Co-Parenting

When you’re a parent about to get divorced, one of the things you will struggle to balance when the relationship ends is your role as a parent. Parents’ inability to support their children usually affects a child’s development. This is where parenting styles come in. Normally, the family dynamic determines the parenting style to adopt. Most parents usually have to choose between co-parenting and parallel parenting.

Both parenting styles are quite different, but they both aim at preventing the negative effect of divorce on children. Knowing which is best for your family and your children is key. That’s why our Charlotte family law lawyers explore the two approaches and explain how they differ from each other. By the end of this comprehensive article, you’ll know which parenting approach is best for your situation.

What Is Co-Parenting?

This is a popular word in the world of divorce. It usually means that parents respect each other’s presence in their children’s life. A fundamental rule is that both parents have a right to develop a good relationship with their children. In co-parenting, the access and responsibilities are equally divided. Both parents constantly assure the children that they can love both parents equally without consequence.

In co-parenting, a crucial determinant of both parties’ relationship is setting clear boundaries. When this happens, it allows both parents to work together amicably for the children’s wellbeing. However, it is always clear that cooperation is not the same as reconciliation.

The point of co-parenting is that both parents communicate in a healthy way for the children’s sake. It is a mature approach and usually doesn’t accommodate anger from a failed marriage. However, where calm interactions aren’t possible, parallel parenting enters the picture.

What Is Parallel Parenting?

Most child psychologists favor co-parenting because it doesn’t leave room for conflict. Of course, parents will disagree sometimes; but disagreements are a part of life. However, that’s not the only type of conflict that co-parenting prevents. For example, there are some divorce cases where both parties have no place for agreements. They’re usually too angry, resentful, or hurt to agree. In such cases, conflict can arise, and both parents can begin to undermine each other.

These are the types of cases handled by top Charlotte family law attorneys. They ensure children do not become pawns parents use to inflict pain on each other. Where divorced couples fight a lot, the best choice of parenting is parallel parenting which involves disengagement. The parents usually have very little contact with each other. Such a setting prevents the possibility of subjecting the children to arguments or turning them into a pawn.

Some popular tools in parallel parenting include online calendars and mediators. Unlike co-parenting, where scheduling and expenses occur during conversations between parents, agreements in parallel parentings are usually set in stone. However, if they are to change, they are usually written agreements to that effect.

Parallel Parenting Vs. Co-Parenting – Which Is Best for You?

Now that you have a crystal clear idea of what both forms of parenting entail, the question is which is best for you. In divorce cases handled by the best family lawyers, there’s a need to decide if you choose co-parenting or you’ll opt for parallel parenting. Below are some vital pointers that will help you determine the best style for your situation.

• If you can honor your ex-spouse’s right to equal access and responsibility in the children’s life – co-parenting.
• If you find it easy to communicate and respect your ex – co-parenting.
• If you prefer to share responsibilities without contact with the other parent and their decisions – parallel parenting.
• If you recognize that your anger, resentment, or other negative feelings can affect your communication with your ex – parallel parenting.
• Do you prefer events and occasions divided, so you don’t have contact with your ex? Parallel parenting
• If you prefer a style that allows you to have constructive conversations with your ex about rules, rewards, consequences, and even boundaries – co-parenting.

Hire a Charlotte Family Law Attorney Today!

Both parenting styles are quite different and require different styles of operation. It can be confusing when parents try to figure out the best option for their situation. When involved in a divorce, you should contact the best Charlotte family law attorney to help you make the ideal decision.

An experienced attorney will lay down the pros and cons of both parenting styles to help you decide better. In addition, you will get assistance in navigating through the complete divorce case to get the best outcome for you. Book a confidential consultation with Waple & Houk, PLLC family law attorneys today to go over the details of your divorce case.