From Spouse to Co-Parent.

From the time we are born, the nature of our relationships with others (and ourselves) changes and evolves. We come into the world completely dependent upon our parents until eventually we develop into adults ourselves – the requirements of our need for care progressively lessening – until we become caretakers to our own partners, families, and eventually, our parents. These progressions and transitions through life are expected and natural, though not without their struggles.

One relationship transition that tends to be exceptionally difficult to navigate is the one from spouse to co-parent. The awareness of needing to leave one dynamic behind (spouse), and switch quickly to the other (co-parent), is the first and most important step in creating a healthy space for children in divorce, according to the Successful Co-Parenting Workbook by Sherry L. Smith. Doing so requires fostering empathy and understanding, which has undoubtedly felt impossible between separating partners, but is paramount to a healthy co-parenting relationship. Even more so than other types of relationships, the transition from spouse to co-parent is most successful when each parent purposefully takes steps to foster a cooperative parenting relationship. Often, that starts with the tone of the divorce process you choose.

As your relationship changes to co-parent from spouse, let us know how we can help. Creative solutions based upon your family’s individual needs is what we do, and we recognize that there in no one-size-fits-all model.