Children and divorce

Co-parenting

Is it possible for two people to be good co-parents? Is it beneficial for the parents to not even try co-parenting, for the sake of their children? If co-parenting is not tried, then the children will almost certainly suffer.

Any adult who comes from a divorced family understands what divorce can do to a child. The age of onset can also affect how the child will react. If the separation occurs when the child is still a child, the memories may be forgotten within a given amount of time.

If the child has hit the adolescent stage of life, more of the separation will be remembered by the adolescent. This is not to say that all is lost for your child if the divorce occurs during the child's adolescent years. If parents work together, your child can ultimately develop into an emotionally healthy adult.

Co-parenting does not work for all families, but it does reduce the suffering that the child is going through. No matter how harsh the relationship between ex-spouses, if the two parties work together, the relationship with their children can be a workable one.

It's important to encourage separated parents to develop a workable parenting plan, a plan that is best suited for you as the parent, and a plan that is best for developing a healthy child.

Want to discuss contact issues, court dates and family problems? Why not chat with other iVillagers on the Residence, Contact & Child Support message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place right now on the board:

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