What is shared parenting?
Shared Parenting is basically sharing the parenting of the children. Mum and Dad are equally in control of the welfare and decision making for their children. This would be the best option for both parents and the children.
I can remember the moment my children were born, all the little things they did and said when they were little and even today I enjoy them as teenagers. And my life is a better one for being a parent.
If you were to ask my children’s father, he would say the same, maybe even more. His children are his world, too. He was there when they were born, he enjoyed the first steps and first words. He even cuddled them when they were sad, read bedtime stories and paid costs.
And what about the children. They only have one mum and one dad with all their gifts and shortcomings and they unconditionally love us both. Mum and Dad are different and offer different benefits to their children. The saying goes, “2 heads are always better than one, 2 hearts give twice as much love” and when one parent is down you often find the other parent is up. I have never understood how that works but it just does.
The reason I see, why our government won’t make shared parenting law is because it is hard to force parents to work together when one or both are anti the other parent. Fighting amongst separated parents has a negative effect on the children. So, I guess one happy peaceful parent is better for the children’s future because the children are the paramount consideration when parent’s go to court to fight for their right to raise them.
Of course there are numerous other reasons why shared parenting is not supported by government officials such as what about rape victims, domestic violence etc., etc.. And then there are issues about child support payments. How sad money comes into the equation.
I guess at present it is up to us as parents who have split up with our ex partners to consider not only our children missing out on their father or mother but the other parents feelings and absolute love for their children. The children don’t belong only to one parent in fact some would say they were a gift that you have been given with the responsibility to give them the best chance in life.
Everyone knows that shared parenting is a challenge. But it is workable. When a relationship breaks up, it is worth considering all the pros and cons for shared parenting. One major reason for shared parenting is the children have both their biological parents. Another is that both parents have free time for themselves to find another partner, enjoy time with friends, study or work towards a career for the future or even follow a dream.
Related Link
Menz.org.nz
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