All You Need To Know About Parallel Parenting Plans
- Updated on 17 Sep 2022
- Parents Corner
- Samadrita Chakraborty
- 3 mins read
Table of Contents
With the change of time, the definition of every relationship has changed. The equation between the children and their parents is no different. The days are gone when the children used to get deprived of one parent’s company if the parents were divorced. Nowadays, couples share joint custody, and things are a lot simpler. But maintaining parallel parenting is challenging. You need to work on the process regularly. But before that, please have a vivid idea about parallel parenting.
What is Parallel Parenting?
Parenting is a dutiful and delicate responsibility. It decides how a child will be as an adult. Previously, only one of the separated couples used to get the child’s custody. Presently, both the couple get the liberty to apply for the child’s joint custody. Under parallel parenting, the couple does not have to communicate with each other a lot. There’s no specific definition of parallel parenting. But some practices can help you conduct a better parallel parenting, and they are:
- Talk very little before your child
- Engage through email and keep records of all conversations
- Fix a schedule of the weekly meeting at the beginning of a month
- Make alternatives for canceled plans
- Do not leave a place for miscommunication or abusive conversation
- Avoid attending any event together that concerns your child
What’s The Difference Between Co-Parenting & Parallel Parenting?
The definition of parenting has changed with time and generation. The child does not get deprived of love even if the parents are no longer ready to stay together. Therefore, processes like parallel parenting and co-parenting have come into existence. But there are some differences between them. So, if we take parallel parenting vs. co-parenting, we could mention the differences quickly.
- In co-parenting, parents are on friendly terms where they raise the child together. Parents are barely in touch in parallel parenting and communicate very professionally.
- While co-parenting allows parents to visit schools and functions together, parallel parenting forbids attending places together for fewer conflicts.
Parallel Parenting Examples & Plan
If you have a proper plan, nothing is so challenging to deal with. In the case of parallel parenting as well, you need a strategy. Let us help you with the planning:
Make A Schedule for Spending Time with The Kid
Most of the time both parents are engaged in professional lives. So, their time does not match. That is why scheduling is vital. Plan which day you are going to spend with your kid. Decide on the strict timing also. Add details on whether you want to spend vacations, holidays, or birthdays.
Be Strict with Timings
Make your timing very strict. Mention when you want to meet them and when you will be dropping them back. Every data has to be recorded strictly in a mail so that you are not in any kind of trouble later. Accomplish the process fairly and keep everything under the notice of your lawyer.
Establish The Location for Pickups & Drop Offs
A record of experience by parallel parents says that the place of pickups and drop-offs creates a lot of inconveniences. Fix a strict location for them and stick to that. As soon as the location changes, it affects your other plans.
Make Definite Rules For Cancellation of A Plan
Life does not run on a predictable track. Sometimes, you must cancel the plans for meeting your child. So, it is better to prepare them accordingly. Make a definite plan for cancellations and state in the same mail how you will make it up. Suppose you have canceled the plans on a sunday and want to make it up on tuesday. Mention that in the mail.
Make Plans for Disputes
Nothing perfect has ever existed under the sun. No matter how understanding you are if the other partner is difficult, disputes in parallel parenting are just a matter of time. Ask the court to appoint a mediator whenever you see trouble coming up. Scheduling a meeting with your mediator and solving the issues legally is a better option than going through back-and-forth communication.
Benefits of Parallel Parenting
A coarse relationship between the parents has always harmed children. If parents are not at all cooperating, the child suffers. But, the companionship of both parents is necessary as well. Therefore, parallel parenting is vital as the child gets attention and care from both parents.
Communication in A Parallel Parenting
Now you know how this partnership works with parallel parenting plan examples. So, this point is to remind you of some significant points like:
- Keep your communication very limited.
- Try to avoid verbal communication.
- Keep every record.
- Consult your mediator as soon as you see trouble.
Conclusion
Good parenting starts with patience and planning. Be tolerant of each other for the sake of your child. Try to follow all the guidelines of parallel parenting to raise a mentally and physically healthy child. If you find the information helpful, share them with the parents who need it.
