What are the different methods of co-parenting?

Co-parenting is an arrangement where parents play an active role in raising their child, after their relationship has ended. Co-parenting can be equal, shared or focused solely on the child’s needs with minimal involvement with the other parent.

Equal parenting means a child will spend an equal amount of time with each parent, and the parents will have equal status and involvement in all parenting decisions, and make decisions concerning the child together.

With shared parenting whilst both parents jointly exercise parental responsibility, it does not necessarily mean that the child spends an equal amount of time with each parent.

Parallel parenting is where divorced or separated parents disengage from each other and focus solely on the child’s needs. It is usually adopted where parents have difficulty communicating and cooperating with each other.