The concept of parallel parenting is a relatively new approach to co-parenting that is gaining popularity among separated or divorced parents in New Jersey. Unlike traditional co-parenting where parents work together to make important decisions about their children’s lives, parallel parenting focuses on minimizing conflict and limiting communication between the parents.
Parallel parenting
In this child custody approach, each parent is responsible for making decisions about their child’s care while they are in their custody, without the need to consult or negotiate with the other parent. This means that each parent is responsible for setting their own rules and routines.
Benefits
By limiting communication between parents, parallel parenting can reduce the amount of conflict and tension in the co-parenting relationship. This can be particularly beneficial for parents who have a history of conflict or domestic violence.
Parallel parenting can provide children with a more stable and predictable environment as each parent has their own rules and routines that the children are expected to follow. This can help reduce the stress and anxiety that children may experience when moving between two households.
Furthermore, while parallel parenting limits direct communication between parents, it can lead to better communication overall. By reducing potential opportunities for conflict, parents may be more willing to communicate civilly and respectfully, which can benefit their children in the long run.
Drawbacks
The possible lack of consistency between households can be confusing and frustrating for children, who may struggle to adjust to different expectations and parenting styles.
Parallel parenting can make it difficult for parents to work together to make important decisions about their children’s lives. It can be particularly challenging in a parallel parenting environment when it comes to issues such as education, medical care or extracurricular activities.
Parallel parenting is a co-parenting model that can be an effective way to raise your children in a stable environment a separation or divorce.