Co-parenting

Co-parenting allows both parents to be involved in rearing their child even if they have not married or the romantic relationship has ended. Studies indicate both the father and mother are important to a child's mental, social and emotional development. Co-parents can demonstrate to their children that they have respect for the other parent. It also allows both parents to be involved in their child's life, even when the child is physically living with the other parent.

Divorce or separation can be devastating for a child, and it is normal for children to act out or feel abandoned. Child also may display extreme sadness, anger or guilt, acting out in different ways: angry outbursts, isolation, low academic achievement or manipulating the parents to reconcile. Co-parenting may allow the child to enjoy increased consistency by avoiding disruption in their social life, education and at home. Co-parenting also increases the diplomacy between the parents and allows children to see parents resolve their problems peacefully.