Co-Parenting

Co-parenting is a special case within the broader category of parenting and family therapy. Two situations are most common to co-parenting difficulties: (1) where separated parents get help maintaining coordination and consistency in their parenting strategies without being in romantic partnership; (2) when difficulties arise around a step-parenting role. Problems typically emerge when parental roles divide between structure provision and support. Kids rightly will rebel against rules and consequences if they don't originate from the person they see to be as the most legitimate authority figure: their original parent. Relationships with step-parents can usually be more open and more supportive than kids' relationships with their original parents.