Co-parenting after a divorce

When a couple in Pennsylvania decides to marry, they typically do so with the thought that they will spend the rest of their lives together. However, the pressures of life, including professions and children, can place a significant strain on a relationship. For some, this strain creates obstacles in the relationship that cannot be overcome and can often lead the couple to a divorce. While this is the best choice for many couples, those with children must be able to maintain a civil relationship in order to come together and co-parent.

Following some divorces, emotions are understandably high. However, managing those emotions in the presence of children is likely in their best interests. Some professionals claim that it is important to refrain from criticizing their former spouse in the presence of their children. While it may be easy for a parent to lose his or her temper while communicating with a former spouse, doing so could have a negative impact on children and hamper the ability of parents to make decisions together.

It is likely in the best interest of a child for a parent to facilitate a relationship with the other parent. Isolating a child from his or her other parent could ultimately result in what some psychiatrists refer to as Parent Alienation Syndrome. Additionally, forcing children to choose between parents could place them in an awkward situation, creating anger and stress.

In addition to protecting children, there are other benefits for couples who have chosen to seek a divorce are able to peacefully co-parent. For example, many are able to avoid additional court proceedings. However, both parents must be willing to put aside their differences in the spirit of compromise in order be successful. Some are unable to do this, forcing parents to make difficult decisions about how the best interests of a child can be met. In some situations, this could lead to a request for a custody modification in Pennsylvania if one parent is unwilling to behave in a way that will protect children from emotional harm.

Source: parentherald.com, “Big Mistakes In Post-Divorce Parenting“, Mark Oliver Rondobio, Feb. 28, 2016