Divorce has become part of the fabric of contemporary life. While parents separate for a number of reasons, one common area of concern is usually the well-being of the children. Fortunately, the state of Illinois has child custody laws that were established to serve the best interests of the children. However, parents still need to work together to come to a custody arrangement that works best for all parties. For this reason, more and more parents these days are choosing a shared parenting arrangement.
Making shared parenting, or co-parenting, successful is all about effective communication and cooperation between parents. Emotions are understandably high after a break-up, but never let anger or emotional pain influence a parenting situation. A big part of successful parenting is setting good examples for the children, and this means cooperating and acting respectfully no matter what. When things get heated, it can be helpful to think of the interaction like a business partnership. If a person feels the need to vent, he or she should do it with a friend and not a child.
Though the parents may live apart, they are still parenting together. Theyshould always act like a team, even when they don’t feel like one. If the children sense a divided front, they are likely to take advantage. Regardless of how emotional or heated things are behind the scenes, don’t let it get in the way of making decisions that affect the children.
Shared parenting has proven to be very beneficial for children and is becoming the preferred type of custody arrangement for families across the country. Illinois residents who have questions regarding child custody and/or custody laws could benefit by seeking the services of a legal representative. A seasoned and knowledgeable family law attorney can provide clarity and guidance throughout this journey.