Using Parallel Parenting as an Alternative to Co-Parenting After a Contentious Illinois Divorce

 Posted on May 13, 2021 in Child Custody

Not all divorces end in a peaceful manner. Sometimes the movies and television shows are accurate with their depiction of divorce and how people can act throughout the process. In some divorces, peace is simply not an option and the couple cannot even get along enough to discuss or agree on issues related to their divorce. In these highly-contested divorces, child-related issues can also be a sore subject. Many times, parents will attempt to use their children to their advantage to try to hurt the other parent. However, this can be extremely toxic and emotionally damaging to the child. Parents who cannot get along during the divorce will also not likely be able to get along after the divorce. However, when you have children together, there will always be a certain degree of communication and interaction that will be required. Co-parenting can provide many challenges for parents who do not get along with one another, but “parallel parenting” can be a helpful alternative.  

What is Parallel Parenting?

Traditional co-parenting involves both parents working together to help raise the child. However, in situations in which the parents are unable to cooperate with one another, parallel parenting may be better suited for them. Parallel parenting is simply co-parenting from a distance. The idea behind parallel parenting is to limit the interaction between the parents, that way there is less of a chance that toxic behavior will be present. 

Benefits of Parallel Parenting

Many people have touted the benefits of utilizing a parallel parenting style after a divorce that involved a lot of conflict. One of the main benefits of parallel parenting is that it reduces the chance for conflict to occur. Conflict -- especially between parents -- can be emotionally damaging for children. Children feel safer when they are in an environment that does not have a lot of conflict. The absence of conflict can help your children immensely when it comes to coping with the divorce.

Contact Our Naperville, IL Parenting Plan Attorneys Today

Divorcing with children comes with its own unique challenges, but the process can be even more stressful when you and your child’s other parent are not on good terms with one another. At the Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C., we can help you and your child’s other parent develop a parenting plan that is tailored to your family’s needs. Our DuPage County parenting plan lawyers have more than 35 years of combined experience helping families find unique solutions to their custody issues. To discover how we can help you with your co-parenting issues, call our office today at 630-355-7776 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/parallel-parenting#definition

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/co-parenting-after-divorce/201309/parallel-parenting-after-divorce#:~:text=Parallel%20parenting%20is%20an%20arrangement,other%20in%20a%20respectful%20manner.