Divorced New Jersey parents who are able to work together and raise their children with common goals often have more well-behaved children who excel academically than parents who raise their children alone, according to the Journal of Family Psychology. Co-parenting, though, is not always easy; divorced couples often have emotional pain that impedes them from putting their children’s needs before their own. Co-parenting takes time and maturity, but it is usually worth it when parents can achieve it.
Child custody agreements vary and can be adjusted to meet the needs of individual families. Children may spend an equal amount of time with each parent by agreement or spend time on an as-needed basis. The important thing is for the children to have access to both of their parents when they need them. Co-parenting can give children a sense of comfort knowing that they are a priority to their mother and father.
Parents who want to co-parent but are either unsure how to get started or struggling with a way to let go of their past hurt may be able to take classes offered by churches or social service agencies. These classes allow parents to work together to find solutions and teach practical ways to achieve their desired balance.
Even parents who were able to co-parent immediately after the divorce often have trouble when one of the parents becomes involved with a new person. These kinds of challenges have to be addressed in order to give the children the stability they have become accustomed to.
While divorce is hardly ever easy for children, parents can reduce the impact by working together and continuing to share parenting responsibilities. A family law lawyer who has experience helping parents develop co-parenting arrangements may be one of the best legal resources for a couple in the early stages of their separation.
Source: Lancaster Online, “Learn to co-parent successfully after divorce“, Kimberly Marselas, July 23, 2013
