Divorce affects parents and children on different levels. As parents begin figuring out how to move forward without their spouse, children may feel confused, lost and left behind.
Co-parenting involves two people working together from separate households to ensure their shared children thrive. While it may take some time for former spouses to get on the right track, doing so may prove most beneficial for their children.
Co-parenting builds stability
A fundamental element children need to feel secure after parents split is stability. Children need a routine to help reinforce their emotional and physical needs. When parents do not stick to a schedule or accommodate reasonable changes, children may begin to feel forgotten or cast aside. This may, in turn, cause them to become unstable and their behavior to shift drastically.
Co-parenting reassures children
Children who grow up with both parents present in some way tend to thrive and become more successful than those who do not. Co-parenting, even amid a difficult breakup, helps children maintain a strong relationship with both parents. When one parent disparages the other or makes a relationship between the other parent and children challenging, the children may begin to act out or withdraw. The emotional wounds of a rift between children and a parent are difficult to overcome, especially if the other parent is responsible.
Some breakups are far more difficult than others. Even so, however, the focus needs to remain on the welfare of the children. Doing this may help foster a more conducive co-parenting relationship post-divorce and provide the children the support they need to grow and prosper.