Joint child custody and co-parenting can work

A divorce can change the dynamics of a traditional family. Parents who raised their children together are now at war about their finances and child custody. For those who have joint custody and wish to co-parent in Orange County, California, there are challenges that require both parents to cooperate and work out a strategy to ensure that the children are raised properly and feel loved.

Parenting relationships are often negatively affected in a divorce. Whether one parent agrees with the other parent’s parenting style or not, co-parenting can work. Research shows that children can still develop positively while maintaining a relationship with both parents, that is, as long as they are removed from the conflicts of the divorce.

A recent article provides tips on how to make co-parenting work. In the article, the author points out some key elements that will make the transition through separation and divorce easier for co-parents.

The author advises parents to communicate and be consistent about how they want to co-parent their children. Each parent should consult the other regularly so that they are always in agreement on their strategies, which will prevent the children from getting confused about the individual parenting approaches.

The article shows the importance of rewarding and communicating about consequences, as well as maintaining consistency, especially when it comes to discipline. It reminds parents that they should share parenting duties and that one parent shouldn’t deprive the other of their parenting rights. Continual education in parenting also helps both parents to provide better care in raising the children. Finally, the children should be kept away from the divorce while, at the same time, gaining perspective about it as a time of change rather than a heartbreaking catastrophe.

Parents who continue to work together during and after the divorce will raise well-loved, well-adjusted children. However, it will take some work and compromise to achieve it. Communication and understanding are essential and each parent should do his or her part.

Divorce and co-parenting can be difficult. However, one way to achieve a harmonious separation is through an amicable divorce with the help of a knowledgeable legal professional. A family law expert in Orange County can provide sound advice as well as assist in sorting out the legal complexities involved.

Source: Huffington Post, “5 Tips for Co-Parenting After Divorce,” Allison Pescosolido, May 16, 2013