Family | Pros and Cons of Co-Parenting

 

No two people are ever going to agree on exactly how to raise a child and let’s face it, we’re all just winging it at the end of the day. When a relationship fails and there are kids involved things can become progressively more difficult, especially when you start throwing words around like “co-parenting.” But what exactly is co-parenting? Well the definition of co-parenting according to coparents.co.uk is the term given to the situation where two (or more) people take on the role of parenting a child, but those people are not in a marriage or similar relationship. This situation may arise when, after a divorce, parents agree to have equal responsibility for the child's upbringing..’

I have been co-parenting my two boys for the past three years now and somewhat successfully if I do say so myself. Don’t get me wrong, there have been times when it has been hard as well and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, so what are the pros and cons of co-parenting? 

Pro: You get some time to yourself. When the little ones go to their respective parent, you get some you time. I like to tidy the house then relax with a glass of wine or go out with my friends. 

Con: You miss them. Terribly. Mine go to their dad’s for three days at a time and while the break is quite nice I really miss them when they’re not here. 

Pro: They still get to spend equal time with both parents which is good for their mental wellbeing. 

Con: The rules for both houses might not always be the same which can cause some confusion when it comes to behaviour and conflict between you and your ex. 

Pro: You get to enjoy one and one time with your children more and there’s nobody to butt in and interrupt you. We have a movie night tradition every Friday in our house and I love that we can just cuddle and chill ready for the weekend. 

Con: When you’re on you’re on all the time. There’s nobody to take the pressure off when you’re struggling with parenting because it is hard work! I can’t just pop out for 5 minutes when the kids are causing murder. 

Co-parenting does have it’s perks and it can be great when you get it right .That’s not to say it will always be easy but you’re doing your best and that’s all you can do for your kids!