Benefits of Co-Parenting / Share Parenting

Separation, Divorce & Children

In every separation or divorce, parents need to recognize the importance of finishing what they started: raising their children. Separation and divorce are difficult for most children. They benefit when they have relationships with both parents and they tend to adjust better to divorce when:

They have a good relationship with both of their parents
Both parents respond to the needs of their children
Parents don’t argue, especially when their children are present
Parents don’t place their children in the middle of their conflicts

Research has shown that some of the benefits of co-parenting/shared parenting include:

Children develop feelings of stability.
Children continue relationships with both parents
Children are less likely to feel torn between their parents
Children are less likely to feel abandoned.
Children are less likely to feel they have to meet the social and emotional needs of their parents

Co-parenting is the best option for your children

Through your parenting partnership, your kids should recognize that they are more important than the conflict that ended the marriage. They need to understand that your love for them prevails, despite changing circumstances. Kids whose divorced parents have a cooperative relationship:

Feel secure. When confident of the love of both parents, kids adjust more quickly and easily to divorce and have better self-esteem.

Benefit from consistency. Co-parenting fosters similar rules, discipline, and rewards between households so that children know what to expect and what’s expected of them.

Better understand problem solving. Children who see their parents continuing to work together are more likely to learn how to effectively and peacefully solve problems themselves. Be a healthy example to follow. By cooperating with the other parent, you are establishing a life pattern your children can carry into the future.

Learn more about Co-Parenting :

Co-Parenting after Divorce
Co-Parenting as a Team
Tips for Co-Parenting after Divorce

Source: co-parenting plan and descriptions of different types of custody arrangements

Authors: Jocelyn Block, M.A. and Melinda Smith, M.A.

Fact sheet developed by Emily M. Douglas, UNH Extension Family Education & Policy Specialist, 5/06