The importance of focusing on good co-parenting to help children after a divorce

As we are all seeing in shocking real time right now, things don’t always go as planned and life inevitably presents a roadblock or two. Marriages, for example, might start out as a fairytale gleam in the eyes of many couples, only to see the story splinter and end in divorce. Parting ways might not seem like that difficult a process at first glance but in fact an array of details must be considered in the midst of often troubling emotional grief and confusion.

When children are part of the equation, the divorce process can become significantly more challenging but this is the time both parents need to be at the top of their game. Decisions they make today will exponentially impact their child’s life; as such, it is very important to make sound choices focused on the child’s long-term wellbeing. While agreeing on such matters can be a volatile scenario for some couples, Michigan law ardently encourages parents to work together on a co-parenting plan that fairly divides family time in a way that fosters continued engagement with their child.

Co-parenting at a glance

Simply stated, co-parenting involves both parents maintaining active and engaged roles with their children’s lives in order to continue close familial relationships. It is no surprise that a strong, cordial, communicative relationship between parents directly affects children’s emotional and mental states, as well as potentially influencing anxiety or depression.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to put aside contentious relationship drama or inherent stress and the divorce process is typically an exhausting one. One parent might not have confidence in the other’s parenting practices or ability to manage an amicable partnership. In addition, child support or custody issues can loom over and hinder any positive progress. Simply making everyday decisions together might seem impossible but parents need to step up and work through those challenges or at the very least, set them aside while caring for their child.

For the children’s sake

Love and affection and strong emotional bonds are key ingredients in a successful co-parenting scenario and an effective starting point is for parents to keep personal feelings away from parenting duties. Every step of the way, your child’s best interests take priority. Consider a plan including details such as holidays, school events, sports, birthdays and the like. Your family doesn’t end with the divorce and remaining mature and sensible goes a long way in keeping a stable dynamic.

Your kids will thank you. Here are just some of the benefits of effective co-parenting:

• Feeling of security when adjusting to a new family life
• Learn to solve problems by seeing their parents work together
• Set a good example and establish a relationship ethic
• Consistent daily patterns and habits foster awareness of expectations
• Foster strong emotional wellbeing

The best advice for parents: keep communication open, effective, civil, and child-focused. Act as a team while sticking to discipline and rules with an always-present factor of caring and affection. Your child looks to you for inspiration and guidance; don’t let those moments fall by the wayside.