Co-parenting after divorce: why you need a plan

 Posted on November 22, 2021 in Child Custody

Once the divorce process is through, leaving your kids behind and moving out can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences. Working out a parenting plan that fits your work and life schedules can be extremely beneficial to everyone, and more so to the kids. A good parenting plan will reassure the children that while their parents may no longer live together, their relationship with each parent will not be affected.

Most divorce courts encourage divorcing parents to come up with a parenting plan that addresses their children’s specific needs. While working on this, there are a number of details that should be considered such as: the kids’ school schedule, who drops off and picks them up from school and who gets to spend the weekends with them among other details. In a nutshell, co-parenting comes with several benefits to the children. Here are some of them:

A reassurance of security and stability

Children can be greatly affected if parents are constantly fighting during and after divorce. They may not know what to do and, in the process, resort to rebellious behaviors. A healthy co-parenting plan ensures that there are routines, boundaries and expectations so the kids can have a safe and stable environment for their success both at home and at school.

Better conflict resolution

Every child deserves to learn effective communication and problem solving skills. And what better way to acquire these skills than by observing how both parents solve their differences in the best interest of the children. A healthy and effective parenting plan can make this a possibility.

Reduced tension and anxiety

It is not unusual for divorce to breed insecurity, frustrations, fear, anxiety and sadness in children. This is especially true if the process was acrimonious. When healthy co-parenting is in place that fosters good communication and relationships, children will definitely experience less anxiety and stress in day-to-day life.

When the marriage is over and you are no longer living with your kids and the other parent under one roof, it is a great idea to come up with a parenting plan that works for everyone. A well-designed parenting plan can minimize disputes while ensuring that kids develop a healthy relationship with both parents.