Is Your Co-Parenting Relationship Healthy?

Co-parenting is the arrangement where both parents share the responsibilities of raising a child despite no longer being married or in a romantic relationship with each other. Everyone’s family may look different, and around fifty percent of children in the United States will see their parents separate or divorce. Co-parenting can be a difficult process, but it is possible to have a healthy co-parenting relationship. Here are some signs of a co-parenting relationship that supports a safe and loving environment for a child.

What Does a Healthy Co-Parenting Relationship Look Like?

Research shows that children in homes with a unified parenting approach have a greater overall well-being and fewer behavioral problems. Having a healthy co-parenting relationship involves establishing a plan with the child’s other parent. This may include things like:

• Visitation schedule: Spending quality time with parents is important for children. Coming up with a visitation schedule that factors in weekdays, weekends, holidays, and other special events, will ensure that this is possible. Both parents should also come to an agreement on how they can communicate with their child when their child is with the other parent.
• Daily routine: Having a daily routine can create a sense of security for children. In a healthy co-parenting relationship, each parent will respect boundaries around things like bedtime, schoolwork, screen time, and extracurricular activities.
• Medical care: Both parents should be aware of and support any medical needs, allergies, and prescriptions, among other things, their child may have. It is important to have a plan in place in case of a medical emergency, as well.

How to Increase Your Chances of Co-Parenting Successfully

It takes a lot of work from both parents to have a healthy relationship despite separating or divorcing. Emotions like anger and resentment may still linger, but putting their child first should be each parent’s priority. Below are some tips to successfully co-parent together.

• Communication: Effective communication is the number one factor in maintaining any healthy relationship. When communicating with a former partner, it is essential to be clear, concise, and respectful, and not to criticize or blame. Communication should be professional and straight to the point.
• Respect: Although it may be difficult when negative emotions arise, treating the other parent with respect is crucial. It not only helps keep a civil relationship with the other parent, but also sets a good example for the child. It should be agreed not to speak negatively about the other parent in front of the child.
• Clear boundaries: It is easier to work together when boundaries have been established between both parties. For example, agreeing that any communication between parents is strictly about their child and not interfering with the other parent’s personal life, unless it’s part of a custody agreement, etc.
• Flexibility: Things happen, and the parenting plan may evolve based on the child’s needs and the parents’ circumstances. Cooperating with the other parent can increase trust and support equitable solutions that prioritize a child.

While co-parenting can be a challenging process, the right tools and support can assist in creating and maintaining a healthy relationship with the other parent. If you are noticing signs of a co-parent trying to control visitation, daily routine, or medical care, reach out for resources and support at The Center for Family Safety and Healing.