A child-centered divorce means that the parents learn how to put their differences aside and work together for what is in the best interests of the children. The spouses need to recognize that just because they no longer want to be married does not mean the spouse, who they may consider to be a bad marriage partner, is a bad parent.
The Three Cs: Communicate, Cooperate, and Co-parent
In the simplest of terms, if parents can practice the three Cs of Communication, Cooperation, and Co-parenting, they will see that a lot of parenting issues that could be controversial will fall into place. When a parenting plan and financial support can be established early in the process, so that everyone is on the same page, there is less reason to argue with each other.
It is important that the parents communicate without arguing in front of the children. It is unreasonable to expect there not to be conflict, but parents need to keep conflicts out of the children’s earshot.
Parents also need to be careful about not saying bad things about the other parent to or in front of the children. Children realize that they are part of both parents, and when one parent says negative things to them about their other parent, it only makes them feel bad about themselves.
Co-parenting means that you are happy when a child spends time with the other parent. Especially when they come back to you and report on the fun they had. Be happy for them. Children want to know both parents support them and that they can freely enjoy the time they spend with each parent without upsetting the other one.
How the Collaborative Divorce Process Helps
Traditional litigation is an adversarial process. Parents are pitted against each other, and both try to be the winner. In a Collaborative Divorce, parents learn to work together in a positive way. They find a pathway to learn how to go forward without animosity and to be able to co-parent while always keeping in mind what is in the best interest of the children.
For more information about how to have a child-entered divorce, or to have your questions answered about any aspect of the divorce process, contact any of our Central Valley Divorce Professionals at https://CentralValleyCollaborativeDivorce.com/profession/professionals/