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5 important benefits of parenting coordination for children
When parents separate or divorce, it can be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved, especially for the children.
By Lauren Biniares, Lawyer at Watts McCray, Sydney.
It can be challenging for parents to navigate their new roles and responsibilities as co-parents, which is where parenting coordination can come in and be incredibly beneficial.
Keep reading to learn more about what it entails as well as the benefits of parenting coordination for children.
What is parenting coordination?
Parenting coordination is a process where a trained professional, known as a parenting coordinator, helps separated or divorced parents work together to make decisions in the best interests of their children. In this blog post, we will explore why children benefit from parenting coordination when their parents have separated.
5 benefits of parenting coordination
1. Reduces conflict
Parenting coordination helps to reduce conflict between parents, which is beneficial for children experiencing family breakdown. When parents are in constant conflict, it can have negative effects on children’s mental health, well-being, and development. The parenting coordinator acts as a neutral third party and helps parents communicate effectively, find common ground, and make decisions that are in the best interests of their children. This reduces the amount of stress that children experience as a result of their parent’s conflict.
2. Provides consistency
Parenting coordination can also provide consistency for children. When parents separate or divorce, it can be difficult for children to adjust to the dramatic changes in their lives and routines. Parenting coordination provides a framework for decision-making that is consistent and predictable, which can help children feel more secure and stable. This consistency can also help children maintain important relationships with both parents.
3. Encourages cooperation
Parenting coordination encourages cooperation between parents. When parents work together, they can create a more positive and supportive environment for their children. The parenting coordinator can help parents find ways to cooperate and collaborate with one another, which can help children feel supported and cared for. Cooperation between parents can also make it easier to create a parenting plan that is tailored to the specific needs of their children.
4. Reduces stress
Parenting coordination can also help to reduce stress for children. When parents are able to work together, it can create a more peaceful and harmonious environment for their children. This can help children feel more relaxed and less anxious, and by reducing stress, parenting coordination can improve children’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life during this difficult period.
5. Improves communication
Finally, parenting coordination can improve communication between parents. When parents are able to communicate effectively, it can make it easier to make decisions and resolve conflicts. The parenting coordinator can teach parents communication skills and provide them with tools to help them communicate more effectively post-separation. This can help parents build stronger relationships with their children and improve their co-parenting relationship.
In conclusion, parenting coordination can provide many benefits for children when their parents have separated. By reducing conflict, providing consistency, encouraging cooperation, reducing stress, and improving communication, parenting coordination can create a more positive and supportive environment for children. If you are a separated or divorced parent, consider seeking the services of a parenting coordinator to help you create a better co-parenting relationship and support your children’s well-being.
