However, research shows that the best situation for children is when parents engage in more supportive coparenting than unsupportive coparenting. Children do better when their mothers and fathers work together as a parenting team and support one another's efforts. Research shows that children's adjustment can be helped or hindered by the quality of marriage and coparenting relationships. When mothers and fathers, whether married or not, work to keep the coparenting relationship strong and supportive, children benefit. Because of the importance of supportive coparenting, mothers and fathers should cooperate.
Cooperation requires parents to make a conscious effort to put their child's best interest first.
Mothers and fathers can be supportive of each other's parenting and demonstrate mutual courtesy and respect. When coparenting disagreements arise, parents can work toward resolving the issue. Conflict resolution is critical in learning how to manage disagreements. When parents resolve their disagreements, children feel confident that their parents can work together. Children recognize supportive coparenting and everyone benefits from it.