The term "conscious uncoupling" was made famous by A-list Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow when she first announced her separation from ex-husband and Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin. Today, many ex-couples are following the ex-couple's track to have the coolest split ever, of course, for the benefit of the children.
"Conscious uncoupling" and co-parenting are perhaps two of the hardest journeys you'll ever make. To make it work out, both exes should let go the bitterness, anger, shame and resentment they feel towards each other.
In the book, "Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After," author Katherine Woodward Thomas wrote five steps that can navigate you away from an acrimonious end of divorce and lead you towards a new and empowering life.
According to Thomas, exes should learn how to find emotional freedom and to reclaim their power and their lives. In addition, they should also allow themselves to heal their hearts, become a Love Alchemist and finally create a "happy even after life," New York Magazine cites.
Things are always better said than be done. But when children are involved in failed relationships, many couples want to try their best to be co-parents though the arrangement can be exhausting and infuriating.
So, how can divorced or separated parents effectively venture in co-parenting if there's so much pain and bitterness in the deeply emotional process of a breakup? Here are 3 steps to make co-parenting a success.
1. Establish a compassionate and supportive co-parenting relationship.
Ex-couples should always recognize that their children are more important than the painful history that ended the marriage. Thus, a compassionate and supportive co-parenting relationship is needed to make joint custody arrangement work out.
Since ex-couples can't be great together, it would be best to show their kids that they are committed to be the best co-parent they can be, Huffington Post notes. This would also remind the children that their parents are always there for them and for each other in spite of the separation.
2. Never force the children to choose sides.
A good co-parent doesn't force his or her children to choose sides when the relationship or marriage breaks apart, Dr. Phil suggests. Instead, encourage and allow the kids to maintain ties on both sides. This way, children will feel they still belong and secured.
3. Don't badmouth your ex to your children.
It's really understandable if exes wanted to denigrate one another after a marriage collapse. But remember, children need to respect their parents and never-ending hostilities will only eat away at respect, 2Houses reveals.
Meanwhile, ex-couple Gywneth Paltrow and Chris Martin are reportedly ready to finalize their divorce after two years of "conscious uncoupling." According to New York Daily News, the settlement will be finalized later Tuesday.
Do you think "conscious uncoupling" and co-parenting really work? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
