Common Myths about Shared Parenting
When parents are going through a divorce, naturally, they are often concerned about what the best plan is for their children. Whether they should come up with a plan for sharing residential custody—or have the kids spend more time with one parent and part-time with another—can be a difficult choice to make, especially if the two parents do not have a cooperative, conflict-free relationship.
Not only do these questions generate debate in our courts and policies, but they lead to various myths and misconceptions that are not based in scientifically proven studies. Below, we discuss some of these myths in greater detail:
Myth: Shared Parenting Leads To Instability Because Children Move Around Too Much
In reality, the number of transitions that children make when it comes to shared parenting versus an unequal parenting plan is virtually the same. In fact, in Texas, an “equal” parenting plan actually has children transitioning less frequently than the default parenting plan used by the courts.
It is also important to note that a shared parenting plan arguably allows kids to settle into each home as residents versus visitors, and ease into routines because they won’t necessarily be uprooted to go back to their primary residence in a few hours.
Myth: Shared Parenting Lends Itself to Children Having No Roots
Children are actually fairly resilient in this respect and able to create networks and roots wherever they go, whether that involves after-school activities, or their parents’ houses.
Myth: Shared Parenting Robs Kids of Extracurricular Activities
In reality, parents who commit to shared parenting frequently live within 20 miles of each other, and—as long as there is a reliable form of transportation— are just as able to transport children to and from after-school activities similarly to if they were still married.
Myth: Children without a Primary Residence Have Trouble Making Friends
Again, children are resilient; they are capable of making friends anywhere.
Myth: Failing to Designate a Primary Residence Leads To More Fighting Between Parents
In fact, committing to shared parenting can also actually reduce fighting between parents because each is arguably more secure in the time they have with the children.
Myth: Shared Parenting Deprives Children Because There Is No Child Support
In fact, shared parenting situations typically lead to children being better financially taken care because one parent is not shouldering most-all of the financial burden of raising the children.
Let Us Help You
In general, equality tends to reduce conflict overall, regardless of the subject matter. If you are going through a divorce, let us assist you in determining what the best child custody and parenting plan is for you and your family. We serve clients in Angleton, Houston, Pearland, and surrounding areas of Texas. Contact us today.
