Prioritising your children during separation – the importance of co-parenting
A common struggle faced by separated parents is how to put the needs of their children first after separation with a partner.
The ‘Parenting through Separation’ guide from Resolution is a welcome support for parents and practitioners alike following the previous lack of clear advice and guidance in the area.
Resolution promotes a collaborative parenting approach throughout relationship breakdown, the guide aims to promote the reduction of conflict between parents to ensure the relationship breakdown has as little impact as possible on the children involved, also reducing stress and tension in the relationship between ex-partners.
The guide follows the publication of 2021 official figures that illustrated a record high for the number of children involved in Private Law applications in England and Wales to determine arrangements as to whom the child should live with.
It is recognised that it can be difficult when parents are attempting to agree a positive outcome in a family issue when there is highly charged emotions present. A suggestion is to make a ‘simple parental communication plan’ to keep communication effective through the separation. This also includes speaking with your children about how things will change.
The guide notes that patience is key to becoming successful co-parents including throughout the adjustment period. In the short term, this could be deciding important arrangements such as the time parents spend with children, including Christmas arrangements. In addition, patience is also required when deciding upon longer term issues, such as the child’s important milestones which could include university and graduation.
It is important that the parents continue to promote positive relationships and a shared understanding of the child’s needs, to include supporting the child’s wider support network which could include spending regular time with the child’s grandparents.
Indications that a co-parenting relationship is working well includes:
- your child knowing what is happening on important days and times of the year such as Christmas;
- that they are not made to choose between spending time with either of their parents; and
- both parents are willing to attend significant events together.
Get in touch if you need Family Law advice
Our team of Family Law team understands the importance of maintaining a collaborative approach during relationship breakdowns.
For more advice, information or to make an appointment, please contact Jordans Solicitors on 033 0300 1103.
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