After a divorce, the relationship between parents tends to be strained. Whether it is because of a new relationship or legal battles, this strained relationship can have a negative effect on their ability to co-parent. Each relationship is unique; therefore, the styles of co-parenting tend to vary. However, it is important for parents to identify their co-parenting style to identify ways to adjust. This helps maintain the relationship and make a positive impact on their child’s life.
Encapsulated Co-Parenting
The least successful type of co-parenting is referred to as encapsulated co-parenting. This type of parenting relationship often involves little contact. When contact does occur, it often leads to a fight. This type of co-parenting is often toxic for both the parents and their child. Attributes of a high-conflict style includes:
- Being unable to talk to an ex-spouse without fighting
- Only communicating through lawyers, family members, or their child
- An inability to compromise
Parallel Co-Parenting
A notch up from the encapsulated style is the parallel style. The parents in this co-parenting style often have a business-like mentality. They likely do not see each other often, have a strict routine, and do not display emotion to each other. This style is better than encapsulated, however, the parents do not have mutual respect. Attributes of a parallel co-parenting style include:
- A business-like mentality
- Independent lives from each other
- Minimum communication
Collaborative Co-Parenting
The best co-parenting style is collaborative co-parenting. This style is successful because it includes two parents who often communicate and have a mutual respect for each other. The relationship often has little to no conflict and schedules are often flexible. Attributes of a collaborative co-parenting style include:
- Putting the child first
- Mutual respect
- Little conflict
Tips to Improve Co-Parenting
Not all exes will get along, however, they can take steps to improve their relationship for the sake of their child. Doing so is beneficial for their child and ultimately promotes teamwork and compassion in their relationship. The first tip is to put the child’s needs first. This tip is crucial, because it can help parents focus on the main priority. If both parents are working together to ensure the best life for their child, they often have little room to fight. This means that both individuals should put away any selfish thoughts and make decisions that benefit the child. These decisions may not work in one parent’s favor; however, it will ultimately help the child to lead a better life.
Parents should learn how to exercise mutual respect. One way to accomplish this is to never talk badly about an ex-spouse in front of their child. This helps the child maintain a positive family image. Similarly, it helps the parent learn to refrain from saying negative things about their ex-spouse.
Baltimore Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Represent Clients Fighting for Child Custody
If you are dealing with a custody battle, contact a Baltimore child custody lawyer at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Our lawyers work tirelessly to ensure that a parent is well represented in court. Contact us online or call us at 443-589-0150 for a free consultation. With offices located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we proudly serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
