What is Parent Disparagement and Why is Co-Parenting Important

Going through a divorce is a difficult thing. To initiate a divorce proceeding, parents must learn to co-parent for the benefit of their children. Unfortunately, co-parenting with an ex-spouse or soon-to-be ex-spouse can prove to be a challenging task, sometimes even more challenging than the actual divorce proceeding. Human emotions can often lead to parent disparagement or prevent a couple’s ability to co-parent, even when it means affecting the well-being of their children. This can happen for a number of reasons, including but not limited to; one spouse had an affair, one spouse moved on too quickly after the dissolution proceeding began, or simply because one spouse is just too emotionally hurt. 

What is Parent Disparagement?

Parent Disparagement is when one or both parents makes comments belittling their former spouse to their children. An example of a disparaging remark is when one parent tells a child that the other parent is irresponsible, uncaring, or simply a bad parent.

You can accidentally cause a child to feel differently about a parent as a direct result of the disparaging comments made. This can add an immense amount of confusion to a child’s life, be extremely hurtful, and even affect a child psychologically. It can damage the relationship that a child has with a parent and, in some instances, even require therapy in order for the relationship to be repaired.

What is Co-Parenting?

Co-parenting is the ability for two parents to work and communicate together to continue the care of their children. Co-parenting is of great importance to a child’s well-being, especially for children whose parents are going through or have gone through a divorce. When parents are not able to co-parent together, this adds more stress and anxiety to what a child already feels. As they attempt to transition from life with two parents under the same roof to life with a time-sharing schedule and two residences, parents must be patient with not only their ex-spouse, but their children as well while adjusting .

Communication is key to a couple’s ability to co-parent with one another.

Best Interests of Children

Section 61.13, Florida Statutes, contains a list of factors that a judge will take into consideration in establishing or modifying parental responsibility, a parenting plan, and/or a time-sharing schedule that is in the best interests of a child or children. Several factors are taken into consideration in evaluating what is in the best interest of a child. Each parent’s ability to co-parent, communicate with one another, and refrain from disparaging one another are just a few of many factors to prevent long, drawn-out court battles

What is a Good App to Promote Co-Parenting?

Fortunately, there are tools available for couples who are unable to prevent parent disparagement or who simply do not communicate well. One effective tool in particular is OurFamilyWizard, which assists in preventing miscommunication of information between parents. This app keeps records of communication, shares important information between both parties, as well as track time-sharing schedules. Keeping both parents informed serves in the best interest of the parents and their children’s time post-divorce. To learn more information about OurFamilyWizard, be sure to check out their website at: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com.

More Questions?

If you are considering a divorce or are currently going through a divorce, you may benefit from OurFamilyWizard as an option to be included in your parenting plan. Contact Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group to learn more about co-parenting assistance at (407) 757-2883 or send an email. We’re here for you.