Is Parallel Parenting Right for Me?

 Posted on January 31, 2022 in Child Custody

Getting divorced with children always complicates the divorce process. Parents will need to address child custody, child support, and other child-related issues in addition to the typical divorce issues like the division of property. Unfortunately, many parents struggle to discuss child custody concerns calmly and rationally. Tensions can run high when it comes to children and many parents disagree about what is best for their kids. If you are a parent going through a divorce, you may wonder how your relationship with your soon-to-be-ex will affect your ability to co-parent after the divorce.

One option that many parents find useful in high-conflict situations is parallel parenting. Parallel parenting is a type of co-parenting strategy that minimizes the interaction between divorced parents. Read on to learn more.

How Does Parallel Parenting Work?

In a typical co-parenting relationship, parents work together to raise their children even though they are divorced. Some co-parents even attend family vacations or events together. Unfortunately, contention between divorced parents can make this impossible.

In a parallel parenting scenario, each parent operates independently from the other. The parents rarely communicate with each other. If they do need to discuss child-related issues such as academic performance or health concerns, they communicate via text messages, email, or other written communication.

What are the Benefits of Parallel Parenting?

There are many benefits to parallel parenting. When divorced parents harbor resentment or anger toward each other, this can lead to intense arguments. Children are sensitive to parental tension, and seeing their parents fight can make the divorce process even harder for them. Parallel parenting may reduce the frequency and intensity of parental confrontations. Many parents find that a parallel parenting strategy helps them heal from the divorce and move on with their lives.

If you do choose to utilize parallel parenting in your divorce, make sure to draft a detailed parenting agreement. A family law attorney experienced in high-conflict child custody situations can be a valuable source of guidance during this process.

Contact an Austin Child Custody Lawyer

Parallel parenting may be right for you if you and your soon-to-be-ex are unable to discuss child-related matters in a productive and non-hostile manner. However, this strategy is not right for everyone.

If you are a parent planning to divorce, contact the skilled Travis County divorce attorneys at Powers and Kerr, PLLC. Our team can help you find ways to minimize the stress on you and your children. Call 512-610-6199 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/parallel-parenting#definition