While we tend to focus on the negative aspects of parenting after divorce, Missouri parents should know that there are plenty of parents who cope just fine with split custody schedules and co-parenting. In these type of situations, not only do the parents benefit from each being able to spend time with their children, the children also benefit from being in a safe, loving environment where their parents are able to work together to make sure their needs are met.
Actor Peter Facinelli, who has three kids with ex-wife Jennie Garth, said that while co-parenting with his ex is a daily process, it is one that is working remarkably well.
In his case, the children are ages 14, 9 and 5. He and Garth were married for 11 years before announcing their split in March.
However, since then it appears Facinelli is getting to spend plenty of time with his children, even talking about how the four of them go camping and make s’mores together.
“Co-parenting takes two great parents to put their differences aside and focus on the children,” he said about the arrangement he has with his ex-wife.
For the Missouri father, their story offers hope for divorced parents and shows it can still be possible to work with an ex-spouse to make sure each parent has time to spend with their children and share parental responsibilities.
However, when it comes to creating a co-parenting schedule, even in situations where parents seem to get along now, it’s a good idea to still talk with an attorney to make sure everything is fair before anything regarding child custody is finalized.
Source: People, “Peter Facinelli is taking co-parenting ‘day-by day’,” Janine Rayford, Oct. 12, 2012
