Many divorced parents have trouble successfully engaging with each other much of the time, which can make co-parenting a child somewhat challenging. For this reason, some parents who wish to do what is in their children’s best interest decide to parallel parent, a system that allows parents to disengage with each other while remaining active in their children’s lives. Typically, parents adopting this system make major decisions together — in areas such as medical and education, for example — but act independently from each other when it comes to the daily details of parenting. Divorced Tennessee parents who have decided to parallel parent can benefit from the following tips.
Detailed Parenting Plan a Good Idea
Firstly, divorced parents are smart to create a detailed parallel parenting plan, including such points as plans for cancellations and specifics around exchanges. As well, when communication is necessary, parents should be sure they discuss only what it necessary to help with the well-being of their child. They may consider using a notebook as a method of communication between households. Also, it is best for parents to keep the relationship between them business-like and to avoid talking about their ex in an angry or negative way in front of the kids.
Parents Can Help Kids Plan Transitions
Parents in a parallel parenting situation can help their kids adjust to the two-household schedule by planning ahead with them. Experts advise limiting items to be packed for each transition, although children will likely have some important possessions they will want to take with them each time. Often, to ease the process, parents will keep duplicate items in each home. In the case of younger children, parents should encourage them to stick to the schedule as much as possible, as this will help the kids feel more stable.
Divorced parents going the parallel parenting route should also be sure to reassure their kids that they are loved by both parents, even though they are no longer together, especially if a child is reluctant when it comes time to switch households. Overall, divorced parents are best served by seeking to cooperate together, communicate politely and focus on their children rather than their negative feelings toward each other. Many Tennessee divorcing couples, whether parents or not, turn to an experienced family law attorney to help them navigate their divorce, a process that can often be complicated and stressful.