When parents in Colorado divorce, it can be a difficult time not just for them but for their children as well. Sometimes parents will decide that, despite the fact that their marriage has become untenable, they still want to raise their child together in an optimal environment. Therefore, they may choose to develop a parenting plan that allows them to co-parent their children post-divorce. However, there are certain things parents who wish to pursue co-parenting should keep in mind so that the arrangement is successful.
Parents need to understand that despite the hard feelings they may have towards one another, their child needs both of them to play an active role in their life. This means they will have to cooperate with one another. This means not badmouthing each other, whether it is in front of the kids, on social media or with other people. Also, children need parents to be parents, so parents must keep in mind that they are not their child's friend post-divorce. This will help provide the child with the stability they need as they adjust to the divorce. Co-parenting only works when both parents recognize that they each deserve to have a meaningful relationship with their child, and any parenting plans developed need to reflect this.
When parents decide to co-parent after a divorce, they will often share joint child custody. This means that they will have to develop a parenting plan. In their parenting plan, they will determine who will have the child in their care and when. Parenting plans can also address other issues such as which doctors the child will see, where the child will go to school, and more. A solid parenting plan is a key to effective co-parenting.
When parents decide to co-parent, they need to understand that even though they have divorced, they still will remain a team when it comes to raising their child. The parenting plan they develop must be workable and fair, both to the parents and the child. By sticking to their parenting plan and by putting their negative feelings for one another aside for the sake of the child, parents in Colorado can raise their child in a way that provides the child with the love, stability, and security they need during a time of change.
Source: columbusparent.com, "Co-parenting Made, Um, 'Simple'," Carl Grody, Aug. 26, 2015
Tags: Child Custody
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