Recently, the renowned cricketer Hardik Pandya and his wife, Natasa Stankovic, have announced their separation. But the couple also mentioned their commitment to co-parenting their son, Agastya.  

But what actually is this term?  Even famous celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Zyan Malik, Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan have opted for, after their separation. 

What is Co-parenting?  

Co-parenting is an intentional planned treaty between two parents who no longer live together. But the mutual goal is ensuring constant love, security and stability for their kids.  

This cooperative decision usually comes after a separation or divorce, where parents prioritize children’s welfare ahead of their own differences.  

Fundamentally, the term implies, when separated and divorced parents unite as one, to support the raising of happy and healthy children. Let’s explore more about this topic.

Co-parenting is a cooperative system, designed for the well-being of children.  

Jodie Commiato, LMFT, a licensed family therapist commented that healthy co-parenting varies in every family. However, both parents being present for significant events like sporting events games, school functions, birthday celebrations and more, represents a healthy co-parenting relationship.  

Pros

Co-parenting is beneficial for both the child and the former couple. Through co-parenting, fathers and mother learn how to appreciate one another despite differences. They also discover how crucial it is to set aside personal conflicts and prioritize their kids’ welfare.  

Children thrive in environments where co-parents maintain open and respectful communication. The benefits for kids of divorced parents, who work as cohesive unit include: 

– Developing strong relationships with both parents without feeling guilty, anxious or stressed. 

– Growing up in an atmosphere characterized by collaboration rather than grievances.   

Cons

Co-parenting can present difficulties as it demands traits like open communication, understanding and patience. These qualities are often not associated with divorced parents, as they face many drawbacks like: 

– Continuing regular and polite communication with former partner can     be a bit challenging.  

– The couples often cope with stress as it is not easy to co-parent with someone who has caused hurt.  

– Navigating disagreements about parenting approaches and style can frustrate or cause confusion, that can harm the child’s mental health and affect the environment also.  

Just like business partners who put aside their differences to achieve common goals, similarly co-parent’s priority is their child. However, this is no business venture! Even with the challenges of parenting followed by separation, parents should put their kids’ needs first and collaborate to provide them security, love and comfort.