If you are a divorced or separated parent, you may have heard of the term “parallel parenting.” This type of co-parenting can be a difficult approach to take, but it can also be very rewarding for both parents and children.
In this blog post, we will discuss what parallel parenting is, as well as some tips for creating a plan that works for your family.
What Is Parallel Parenting?
If you have never heard of parallel parenting before, it is basically when both parents take on separate roles in the lives of their children.
This means that each parent has their own set of rules, expectations, and boundaries that they expect their children to follow. While this can be a difficult concept for some parents to grasp, it can actually be a very beneficial arrangement for both parents and children.
One of the benefits of parallel parenting is that it can help to reduce conflict between the parents. When both parents are not trying to control every aspect of their children’s lives, it can often lead to less arguing and fighting.
This can be a great relief for both parents and children, as it can allow them to focus on their own individual relationships with their children.
Another benefit of parallel parenting is that it can help to promote a sense of independence in children. When children have two sets of rules and expectations to follow, they often feel more capable and independent. This can be a great way to encourage your child to be more responsible and to make their own decisions.
Creating a Plan That Works
If you are interested in parallel parenting, there are a few things that you will need to do in order to create a plan that works for your family. First, you will need to sit down with your ex-partner and discuss what each of your roles will be. It is important that you are both on the same page about what is expected of each parent.
Once you have a clear understanding of your respective roles, you will need to create a parenting schedule that works for both of you. This schedule should include when each parent will have custody of the children, as well as any other important details such as pick-up and drop-off times.
It is also important to create a communication plan with your ex-partner. This communication plan should include how you will communicate with each other about your children, as well as any other important issues that may come up. It is often helpful to use a third party, such as a therapist or mediator to help facilitate communication between the parents.
If you are able to follow these tips, you will be well on your way to creating a successful parallel parenting plan. Remember, it is important to keep the lines of communication open with your ex-partner and to always put your children first. With a little effort, you can make parallel parenting work successfully.