Your New Co-Parenting Role

Once you decide to separate, along with the many decisions you will both be making, there will be a big change in your parenting role.

You are becoming Co-parents

During your time together you will have fallen into specific roles within your household and this includes looking after your children.

Once you have separated, the difference in roles and parenting styles is often amplified and this can be a reason why arguments occur when you are trying to organise a routine for your children.

Learning to be co-parents is a new journey. It is not always easy and, like learning anything new, you won’t always get it right the first time. It is important to remember that everyone is adjusting to a new way of living. Try to be patient during this transition.

Taking time to think about what needs to happen at the beginning of your separation is time well spent. It might be easier if you seek professional help to understand how you can make the most of your initial plans for your children.

A professional can also help you to understand what your children need from you at this time. It might also be helpful to fill in a parenting plan together which looks at practical elements of parenting together as co-parents.

Below are some points to consider short and long-term.