Can parallel parenting help us post-divorce?

On Behalf of | Jan 4, 2021 | Child Custody |

In the majority of cases, most persons post-divorce would be happy to not see their ex-spouse ever again or at least not for a very long time. However, if you are raising children with your ex-spouse, this is not a possibility.

It is probable that you and your ex-spouse will be in a joint custody situation after your divorce. However, you may not have a positive enough relationship with your ex-spouse to start off with traditional co-parenting. This is when parallel parenting, which involves strict scheduling to help separate parents while allowing them access to their children, may be a useful strategy to pursue as per Healthline.

Is this not the same as co-parenting?

Parallel parenting and co-parenting are slightly different. For example, in a co-parenting situation both ex-spouses may show up together to a child’s school recital in a show of family unity. They may even bring new significant others along with them.

In a parallel parenting situation, the parents would not attend the school recital together. Rather, one parent may attend the recital and the other parent may attend the post-recital celebratory pizza party. This allows both parents to get involved, but does not require the parents to interact with each other at all.

How is this helpful?

It is unlikely that the simple process of divorce solved all problems between you and your ex-spouse. If you and your ex-spouse are not on good terms, parallel parenting is one of the best ways to ensure that your children have access to both of their parents while giving you the space you need to move on with your life.