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. A group of researchers at the University of Missouri asked children about their parents' post-divorce relationships. I mean they'll tell me something, like my mom will say, 'Oh, what's your dad doing,' or 'Oh, by the way, could you tell him this and that for me,' and it just goes back and forth for a while until I quit doing that. I just didn't want to do that anymore.