Divorced Michigan parents must learn to deal with the difficulties of a co-parenting arrangement. Co-parenting is easier when both parents commit to maintaining focus on the emotional well-being of their children, understanding the harm that can come from minimizing one another in the eyes of the children, appreciating that the children should have attachments to both parents and valuing the relationship with both of them.
The focus of a co-parenting arrangement should be on the children. In many cases, the parents will be required to adhere to a schedule that has been either agreed upon or ordered by a court. The schedule is a good place to start, but those who get the most out of co-parenting know reasonable flexibility can lead to greater satisfaction for themselves and their kids.
Parental alienation occurs when a child aligns with one parent and rejects the other. It can happen due to the disparagement of one parent by the other. It can lead to psychological harm for the child if not managed properly. On the other hand, co-parents who are civil with one another have children who feel they can love both of their parents.
A child’s ability to love and feel attachment to both of his or her parents is key to healthy emotional development. A properly-structured parenting schedule goes a long way toward allowing the child such attachments, but the parents must be aware of the way they speak, act and even feel about each other as children pick up on these things.
The help of a psychologist, social worker, attorney or other professional may smooth over potential problems. An attorney with experience in custody and visitation may be able to help parents develop a co-parenting schedule that meets the requirements of the court and is in the best interests of the children.