Have you heard about parenting marriage? According to latest reports, parenting marriage is the latest alternative to divorce, in addition to Gwyneth Paltrow's infamous "conscious uncoupling."
Conscious uncoupling and co-parenting have been the norm of many divorced and separated couples, especially those who have children. But conscious uncoupling is not the only option to have the coolest split ever. In fact, more couples are changing into a "parenting marriage," particularly in marriages when romance and intimacy have died.
What Is Parenting Marriage?
Parenting marriage is defined as a state of relationship for couples who decided to stay together for the sake of their children. According to Huffington Post, there'll be no intimacy and no expectations between the couples.
Even though it needs to be negotiated, each parent also has the freedom to date other people in parenting marriage. However, parents should always take their children's age in consideration in this type of parenting setup in spite of their decision to tell or explain their arrangements to the kids.
Parenting Marriage Vs. Conscious Uncoupling
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. But a San Francisco Bay Area couple claimed they did a much better alternative to divorce - parenting marriage.
Valerie and Clark Tate said they uncoupled but stressed they did not divorce. They stayed married and transformed their relationship into a parenting marriage but took the romantic and sexual aspect of their marital life off the table. They remained loving and respectful toward each other and concentrated on co-parenting their son Jonah, The Guardian notes.
"[Parenting marriage] was like a shift in what we were fighting for. Instead of fighting for the romantic relationship to continue," Valerie Tate said while emphasizing putting their son's needs first by not overturning his life.
With that said, is parenting marriage better than conscious uncoupling? Is parenting marriage the best alternative to divorce?
Parenting Marriage Advantages And Disadvantages
Parenting marriage is one alternative to the traditional separation or divorce. Unfortunately, this parenting concept isn't right for everyone and it isn't right as a long-term solution, thenewidobook.com claims.
Parenting marriage also has several benefits and risks. One, it is less expensive and less emotional trauma compared to getting a divorce. Second, parenting marriage couples may be calmer with fewer expectations of each other. They may be able to work out their differences and focus on one sole objective - parenting their children.
As for parenting marriage disadvantages, couples might have a difficulty seeing their spouses back on the dating scene. Kids might also get confused and wonder why their parents aren't in love with each other anymore.
In addition, children might see love in a different perspective since there's no role model for them in their household, Of course, the question of how couples will quench their sexual needs is also one of the valid queries in parenting marriage.
Despite the fact that there are no studies indicating that children need to see their parents in love, experts said children do need parental warmth and love, consistency, stability and a relatively conflict-free environment. For kids, being kind to each other and having a good parent matters.
"Children are love radars; they can feel when there's love and kindness and they can feel when there's hurt and cutoff between parents," Valerie Tate explained. "The way people treat each other makes a huge difference."
So, do you think parenting marriage is a better alternative than conscious uncoupling? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
