Each parent has the same rights and prerogatives. Exchanging times requires both parents consent. The noninterference principle can strengthen the parent-child relationship and enhance the emotional climate of stepfamily life. It lessens nasty side effects like competition, nosiness, and manipulation. Noninterference gives the children a sense of security and continuity.
Children know what to expect and eventually see how well two homes without fighting works.
When all parents adhere to the noninterference principal, parental cooperation is strengthened, and the children see a new, different, and a more united front. One outcome of autonomy is that each parent is free to develop a personal style of parenting. Each household no longer has the right to judge the other parent's adequacy as a parent or to insist on certain behaviors that meet individual standards. Because of our emotional involvement with our children it can be hard to distinguish a parent who is inexperienced from one who is dangerously incompetent or abusive. A parent who raises welts or breaks bones is dangerous.