For parents in Kansas and across the United States, ending a long-term marriage or relationship can cause much fear, doubt and uncertainty. For children, however, life may suddenly feel like a whirlwind of confusion and chaos. Shared parenting, or co-parenting, is one of the more popular child custody arrangements these days. Cooperation between co-parents is key to making this type of arrangement successful. Here’s what to do when the other parent becomes uncooperative.
Beware of negative behaviors
In a healthy co-parenting relationship, respect is nonnegotiable. When one parent feels as if he or she is giving all of the respect without getting any in return, interactions with the other parent may become challenging. Keep in mind it is impossible to control the other parent’s actions. When they become difficult or display negative behaviors, it can be helpful to take a deep breath, step away and resume communication at a later time.
Explore alternatives
If co-parenting becomes a struggle, trying an alternative method can be beneficial for all parties. Parallel parenting may be a viable option for co-parents who struggle with communication or conflict. Parallel parenting is like co-parenting but has a few built-in boundaries. In a parallel parenting arrangement, parents keep interactions to minimum usually by using a single platform for communication. This allows conflictual parents to disengage and minimize conflict while still being highly involved in the lives of their children.
Remember, this is all about the children, not the parental relationship. Any arrangement will only be successful when parents keep the best interests of their children in mind. Seeking the services of a seasoned legal representative can be very helpful for parents in Kansas who have questions or need help with child custody issues. A knowledgeable family law attorney can provide much-needed guidance throughout this stressful experience.
