

{"id":25072,"date":"2018-06-28T11:08:36","date_gmt":"2018-06-28T11:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=25072"},"modified":"2024-12-20T04:30:41","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T04:30:41","slug":"try-parenting-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/parenting\/try-parenting-marriage\/","title":{"rendered":"Parenting Marriage: A Viable Alternative to Divorce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25077 size-full\" title=\" Try Parenting Marriage - An Alternative to Divorce\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Try-Parenting-Marriage-An-Alternative-to-Divorce.jpg\" alt=\"Try Parenting Marriage - An Alternative to Divorce\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a world where divorce rates are soaring, many couples are searching for alternatives to maintain their family unit while addressing their own needs. Enter parenting marriage &ndash; a unique and innovative approach that challenges the traditional notions of separation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This unconventional arrangement aims to prioritize co-parenting and shared responsibilities while acknowledging the changing dynamics of modern relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The now popular term &lsquo;Parenting Marriage&rsquo; was first coined in 2007 by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/changingmarriage.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Susan Pease Gadoua<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a licensed therapist based out of San Francisco. Susan has been helping couples reconnect or disconnect in a healthy way since 2000.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;If you&rsquo;ve ever thought to yourself, &ldquo;If it weren&rsquo;t for the kids, I&rsquo;d leave,&rdquo; you may already be doing it&rdquo; suggests Susan.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the first things that a married couple will be mindful of when considering divorce is the effect of the divorce on the children and the impact upon your life if you have to be either a single parent or can&rsquo;t bear the thought of not seeing your children every day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A parenting marriage could be the perfect solution to these problems pertaining to marriage and parenting. So if you have children, before you divorce, why not try a parenting marriage?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-a-parenting-marriage\"><\/span><b>What is a parenting marriage?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parenting marriage is a contemporary concept that focuses on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/parenting\/effective-tips-for-co-parenting-successfully-after-separation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">co-parenting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while allowing couples to live separate lives romantically. Unlike traditional marriages, it recognizes that individuals can prioritize their parenting responsibilities without sacrificing their personal happiness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25028 size-full\" title=\"A parenting marriage is a non-romantic union which is focused on spouses coming together to raise happy and healthy children\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Helicopter-Parenting-is-Stunting-Your-Childs-Well-Being-3.jpg\" alt=\"A parenting marriage is a non-romantic union which is focused on spouses coming together to raise happy and healthy children\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2019.00550\/full\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Dr. Amy Desai, couples in parenting marriages often maintain strong communication and shared decision-making for the well-being of their children, while simultaneously pursuing their own individual goals and interests.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It offers a unique middle ground for couples seeking a harmonious co-parenting arrangement. It tries to put an end to many of the married couples parenting issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/parenting\/rules-for-co-parenting\/\" title=\"Top 10 Rules for Co-Parenting\">Top 10 Rules for Co-Parenting<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-rise-of-parenting-marriages\"><\/span><b>The rise of parenting marriages&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In recent years, parenting marriages have been gaining momentum as an alternative to conventional relationships that are full of married couples parenting challenges.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>With changing societal norms and a greater emphasis on individual fulfillment, couples are exploring new ways to navigate their roles as parents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>This rise can be attributed to the recognition that a successful co-parenting dynamic can exist outside the confines of a romantic partnership<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. By prioritizing their children&rsquo;s well-being and maintaining open communication, couples are embracing the idea that parenting together can transcend traditional relationship boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The need for parenting marriage also arises due to the possible adverse effects of divorce on a couple&rsquo;s children. As per a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foryourmarriage.org\/blogs\/ten-important-research-findings-marriage\/#:~:text=People%20whose%20parents%20divorced%20are%20slightly%20less%20likely%20to%20marry.%20They%20are%20much%20more%20likely%20to%20divorce%20when%20they%20do%20marry.\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research finding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, people whose parents divorced during their childhood are less likely to get married and more likely to get divorced themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-parenting-marriages-work\"><\/span><b>How do parenting marriages work?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no parenting marriage rules to abide by. <\/span><b>Parenting marriages function by redefining the boundaries of a conventional romantic relationship.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Couples in these arrangements prioritize co-parenting while maintaining separate lives. They focus on effective communication, shared decision-making, and setting clear expectations for parenting responsibilities.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, <\/span><b>they may choose to live in separate households, have individual dating lives, or pursue personal goals independently.<\/b> <b>The key is to create a supportive and cooperative environment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> where children&rsquo;s needs are met, and parents find fulfillment both as individuals and as co-parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also makes the concept of dating in a parenting marriage feasible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros-and-cons-of-parenting-marriages\"><\/span><b>Pros and cons of parenting marriages<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parenting marriages, an alternative approach to conventional relationships, have both advantages and disadvantages. Let&rsquo;s explore 5 pros and 5 cons of this arrangement to better understand its potential benefits and challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25078 size-full\" title=\"Parenting marriage won&rsquo;t be for everybody\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Parenting-marriage-won%E2%80%99t-be-for-everybody.jpg\" alt=\"Parenting marriage won&rsquo;t be for everybody\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>Pros:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Co-parenting focus: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parenting marriages prioritize effective co-parenting, ensuring children&rsquo;s well-being remains a central focus. This is one of the most important married couple parenting rewards coming out of this arrangement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shared responsibilities: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples share the responsibilities of raising children, reducing the burden on a single parent.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stability for children: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By maintaining a stable family unit, parenting marriages offer a sense of security and continuity for children.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Individual fulfillment: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Partners have the opportunity to pursue personal goals and interests while maintaining a strong co-parenting bond.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strong communication: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effective communication is crucial in parenting marriages, fostering a healthy environment for resolving conflicts and making decisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/in-love-or-relationship-convenience\/\" title=\"15 Clearest Signs That You\u2019re in a Relationship of Convenience\">15 Clearest Signs That You\u2019re in a Relationship of Convenience<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>Cons:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lack of romantic connection:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Parenting marriages may lack the emotional intimacy and romantic connection found in traditional marriages. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of co-parenting within parenting marriages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Social stigma:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Society&rsquo;s perception of unconventional relationships may subject couples in parenting marriages to judgment or scrutiny.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Potential complexity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Balancing co-parenting responsibilities alongside personal lives can introduce complexities and challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emotional strain:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The absence of a romantic relationship may lead to emotional needs being unmet for one or both partners.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Uncertain long-term outcome:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The long-term sustainability and success of parenting marriages can be uncertain, raising questions about the future dynamics of the relationship.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-you-have-a-successful-parenting-marriage\"><\/span><b>How do you have a successful parenting marriage?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a successful parenting marriage requires a foundation built on effective communication, mutual respect, and shared goals.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few key principles to consider.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, <\/span><b>prioritize open and honest communication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Regularly discuss expectations, concerns, and decisions regarding parenting and personal lives. This ensures both partners feel heard and can work together as a team.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second, <\/span><b>establish clear boundaries and roles.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Define each person&rsquo;s responsibilities regarding childcare, household tasks, and personal space to avoid conflicts. Flexibility is crucial, as circumstances may change over time.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, <\/span><b>nurture the co-parenting relationship.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Find ways to show appreciation, offer support, and celebrate achievements as co-parents. This strengthens the bond and creates a positive environment for both parents and children.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, <\/span><b>a successful parenting marriage requires ongoing effort, understanding, and a shared commitment to the well-being of your children.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/jenni-jacobsen\">Dr. Jennifer Schulz<\/a>, PhD in Psychology, says <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A parenting marriage is all about setting your own emotions aside for the good of the children. You may have some lingering negative feelings about your children&rsquo;s other parent, but it&rsquo;s important to simply focus on parenting in a healthy, effective way rather than focusing on conflict.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch this insightful video on parenting styles:<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><\/span><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RMxqTXgRO9E\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some-common-questions\"><\/span><b>Some common questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents facing the dilemma of whether to stay in an unhappy marriage or divorce often grapple with the potential impact on their children&rsquo;s well-being. Let&rsquo;s explore some common questions surrounding this topic.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is it better to divorce or stay unhappily married for the sake of children?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While every situation is unique, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heysigmund.com\/unhappy-marriage-and-kids\/#:~:text=Research%20has%20found%20that%20when,adolescence%2C%20including%20depression%20and%20anxiety.\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">suggests that a high-conflict, unhappy marriage can have negative effects on children. In some cases, divorce can provide a healthier environment for both parents and children to thrive, promoting their overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those choosing to stay together despite differences, parenting marriage can make co-parenting and living together an acceptable alternative.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is it better to stay in an unhappy marriage or divorce?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the specific circumstances. However, staying in a consistently unhappy marriage can potentially lead to emotional distress, resentment, and an unhealthy family dynamic. Exploring options like therapy or counseling can help make an informed decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Schulz adds,<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historically, divorce was frowned upon, and the key message was that parents should stay together at all costs for the sake of the kids. As we&rsquo;ve learned more, we&rsquo;ve realized that there isn&rsquo;t an answer that fits every family, and sometimes, children do better when parents end an unhappy marriage and focus on co-parenting for the children&rsquo;s sake.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What kind of effect does staying in a seriously unhappy marriage cause?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying in a seriously unhappy marriage can impact mental and emotional well-being. It may lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and strained relationships within the family. Children can also observe and internalize negative relationship dynamics, affecting their own views on love and marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make-an-informed-decision\"><\/span><b>Make an informed decision<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the complex realm of parenting marriages and the decision to stay or divorce, there is no universally-acceptable solution.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What matters most is prioritizing the well-being of both parents and children. Whether it&rsquo;s finding ways to strengthen a co-parenting bond or making the difficult choice to part ways, the goal remains the same: creating a supportive and nurturing environment for the next generation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, each family&rsquo;s journey is unique, and embracing empathy, understanding, and open communication can pave the way for a brighter future for all involved.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a world where divorce rates are soaring, many couples are searching for alternatives to maintain their family unit while addressing their own needs. Enter parenting marriage &ndash; a unique and innovative approach that challenges the traditional notions of separation.&nbsp; This unconventional arrangement aims to prioritize co-parenting and shared responsibilities while acknowledging the changing dynamics of modern relationships. The now popular term &lsquo;Parenting Marriage&rsquo; was first coined in 2007 by Susan Pease Gadoua, a licensed therapist based out of San Francisco. Susan has been helping couples reconnect or disconnect in a healthy way since 2000. &ldquo;If you&rsquo;ve ever thought to <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":25077,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[37],"tags":[2641],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25072"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25072"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25072\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":106504,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25072\/revisions\/106504"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25072"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25072"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25072"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}