Divorce impacts over two million children under age 18 in the United States each year. Co-parenting or shared parenting is becoming more common but can be tricky for people who have encountered marital issues in the past.

Most parents should consider co-parenting. Exceptions would be abandonment or abuse. The safety of the children should be the priority.

Co-parenting creates a new relationship with the children at the forefront. Both parents should be able to ask each other for support. Each parent gets at least close to 35% time with the children.

Traits to Aid Co-Parenting

• Emotional awareness
• Self-control
• Ability to accept reality
• Dependability
• Taking the needs of others into account

The less drama in the co-parenting relationship, the more attention is available for raising the children.

Listen as Karen Kristjianson joins Dr. Holly Lucille to share some tips on co-parenting.