I grew up in a broken family and after my parents separated, my sister and I were left to be taken care of by my grandmother. Let me tell you from experience that kids whose parents are separated and aren’t on good terms, can have a hard in life. If you’re someone whose separated, you have to know that the co-parenting benefits outweigh any conflict you may have with one another.
Co-parenting is when both parents equally share the responsibility of parenting their kids. Most studies show that even if kids experience a parent’s separation or divorce, they are still more likely to succeed in life if their parents practice shared parenting. Unless your separation involves issues of personal safety, there’s no point for you not to co-parent. Here are 5 that you should know about it and its benefits.
Co-parenting Benefits
1. The child feels safer and more normal.
The hard truth is, your separation will have an effect on your child. But it’s up to you on how you will address it. If you co-parent with your spouse, they will initially feel troubled. But as soon as they realize that while you have both separated, a bigger part of things has remained unchanged and that is you will do everything to protect and love them.
2. It shows your child how to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
A separation is naturally messy and can mean a lot of conflicts. As we all know, young children learn by modeling their parents’ behavior and if you show them how disrespectful you are with each other this can be a behavior they can carry into adulthood. Show your kids that no matter how difficult the conflict or situation is, everything can be resolved in a healthy way.
3. It’s easier for everyone.
One of the best co-parenting benefits is that parenting becomes easier for everyone. Being a single parent can be extremely difficult, no matter how many kids you have. It will take a toll on your financial and physical health. You are solely responsible for a human being. If that doesn’t make you scared, I don’t what will. But through co-parenting, the burden gets lighter and easier. You are able to get the proper support you need both physically and financially as there will be moments that you can take a step back.
4. Kids are less likely to develop emotional health problems.
High levels of conflict and stress can become a catalyst for your child to develop a mental health problem throughout their lives. As parents, you don’t only need to make sure that your family is well provided, you should also ensure their stability in life even when you’re no longer around.
5. Relationships become deeper and better.
When parents separate and successfully co-parent, they will each have quality alone time with their kids. This would mean that they are able to develop deeper connections and relationships with their children as they grow older. When this happens, they are able to share more things with you and will become unafraid of telling you things.
These co-parenting benefits should help you navigate your separation better and help make you feel less troubled. Show your kids that difficulties can be resolved and that they are fear important than any conflict.
