I see so many people making co-parenting so challenging. Constant fighting over time and money (not to mention dragging the court system into it). I was raised in a home with parents that are still married over thirty years later. I lived my life differently. Sure, there have been some awkward moments, but I think that my son has benefited a lot from co-parenting . He's my only son. He is his dad's only son. He is my husband's only child (step-son), and his dad's partner's only child (step-son... though not through marriage yet, but she's a winner!!!). I have to say, co-parenting is the BEST! In addition to FOUR parents, my son also has a lot of grandparents in his life. My parents have been a Godsend, truly. Tommy and I had Aiden young. I had just turned 22 and he was about to turn 21 when we had him. All four of us love this child to no end!!! We have kept the court system totally out of it, and we arrange times for everyone to spend with him. Instead of having two adults loving him, spending lots of time with him, and making him feel as though he is a being worthy of love; he has all of us! Just because his dad and I couldn't get along as partners, we get along as friends... there was a reason we were together (and of course a reason why we AREN'T). It all worked out perfectly. I met my soul mate, and so did his dad. Every single one of us loves this child with all we have. I do a lot of the heavy lifting. I fill the roll of mom. His dad takes him weekends to do stuff they love doing together (video games, pokemon, and playing catch). My husband has been an amazing roll model. He expects the most out of him, and Aiden really respects him for it. He is such a good step-father that Aiden's dad wished him a happy Father's Day. Since we have Aiden all week, my husband has stepped into the shoes of being a dad. He is absolutely some one I feel is a huge, wonderful influence in my child's life. His dad's girlfriend (I hate to call her girlfriend because she is so much more), loves Aiden to the end of the world. She even took her vacation time to spend time with just the two of them.
I don't want anyone to think that I'm bashing traditional parenting. That's how I was raised, and I had the most amazing parents ever. I do want to make a point that co-parenting can be more than ok: it can be incredible!
Picture One: Aiden, Mommy, and John:
Picture Two: Aiden, Mommy, and Daddy:
Picture Three: Aiden, Daddy, and Hannah:
