Parents are faced with difficult decisions when their romantic relationship ends. For example, they need to decide what type of parenting arrangement they’ll use. There are many factors that go into this decision. Some of these include the dynamic between parents and the needs of the children.
Co-parenting, parallel parenting and bird’s nest parenting are three arrangements that you may want to consider if you and your child’s other parent are going your separate ways. Each of these approaches feature distinct potential advantages and challenges.
Co-parenting
Co-parenting is a collaborative parenting approach that requires both adults to work closely with each other to raise their children. Effective and respectful communication is a central key to this style. Parents must be able to compromise and work as a true parenting team. Many people who co-parent attend functions for their children together. This can include special events like school plays. Some co-parents also spend holidays and vacations together.
Parallel parenting
Parallel parenting is almost the opposite of co-parenting. Instead of working as a parenting team, this parenting style requires minimal communication. Each parent handles things at their home in the way they feel is best for the children. When parallel parenting, each parent has specific decision-making rights. One parent may make all the education decisions for the children. The other parent may decide on faith or religious matters. These responsibilities must be clearly defined to avoid conflicts in the future.
Bird’s nest parenting
Bird’s nest parenting is a unique parenting style that’s not very common. The parents maintain one central home where the children live. The parents take turns living in that home during their parenting time, but the children aren’t forced to transition between homes. The parents will need a place to go when they aren’t with the children, so this is often a costly parenting option because there are expenses for the central home, as well as each parent’s home.
A parenting plan is a central set of rules that both parents will follow. Getting this together may require the assistance of a legal representative who can ensure it’s set up in a manner that reflects what’s best for the children.
