Negotiating a parenting plan that’s in your child’s best interests is a critical part of divorce. Making it work, however, can be a challenge. That’s particularly true in the early months of co-parenting. Residual animosity and distrust from the end of your marriage can get in the way. That’s why some parents engage in co-parenting therapy.
This isn’t a continuation of marriage counseling. It’s not about rehashing your problems as a couple, but about working on developing a healthy, supportive co-parenting relationship that will help you successfully parent your child across two homes.
It can help you renegotiate your relationship with your co-parent
Some couples begin co-parenting therapy while they’re still divorcing. This can help them determine how best to share their parenting responsibilities and work out a parenting plan and other agreements they can both follow. Others begin it later if they’re having challenges making co-parenting work.
Co-parenting therapy is unique to the couple involved. In some cases, therapists start by helping each person list the things that make their ex a good parent, even if they weren’t a good spouse. This can help co-parents recognize that they both have their child’s best interests at heart – even if they have different ways of parenting.
Talking things out with an experienced, neutral third party can help parents see each other’s sides who may have been in a bubble of only talking to supportive family members and friends who reassure them that they’re right about everything. It also helps them learn how to communicate in a healthier manner.
Having solid parenting agreements in place is crucial, which is why experienced legal guidance is essential. Co-parenting therapy can help you manage those agreements in real life.
