Co-parenting traps to avoid

Spouses might go through a bitter divorce in California, and the troubles between the partners may spread to their relationship with their children. Certain parenting traps could create problems for the children struggling with the parents’ marriage’s end. Parents might need to reconsider their behavior to avoid co-parenting traps.

Co-parenting traps

Sometimes, one spouse might want to know private details about the other partner, leading to using the child as a spy. Such behavior could be stressful and harmful to the child, yet a parent may pressure the young person into such actions. A parent may also attempt to use the child to convey often confrontational messages. The two spouses might not be speaking to one another, and using the child to express harsh sentiments becomes a strategy for a malicious adult. The impact on the child could be highly damaging.

Sometimes, a parent may pressure a child to grow up too quickly. A desire to turn the child into a confidant or an ally might prompt this behavior. A parent could ignore the child’s age and immaturity and press with these demands. Such behavior may further harm the child’s mental state and create potential rifts with the other parent.

Child custody hearings

Parents engaged in troubling behaviors that cause harm to the child may face the consequences in a child custody hearing. During these hearings, the court determines what is in the best interests of the child. Expect a judge to consider the trauma a parent inflicts on the child when considering custody arrangements.

Those unsure of how to deal with their emotions during child custody hearings might find value in speaking with a therapist. Doing so could reduce the potential for causing a child developmental harm.