In parenting, there is really no such a thing as "one-size-fits-all." One of the hardest truths in the concept of shared parenting is the fact that it may not be applicable to all broken family situations, especially in high conflict and complex living arrangements.
A Sun Sentinel article outlines the new challenges that go with the shared parenting approach. In the article, Katherine and Roger Kranenburg recently shared a glimpse of what an egalitarian approach to child-raising really looks like from the inside.
Shared parenting is perhaps the most ideal child-rearing approach where equal sharing of burdens and responsibilities is practiced. While 50-50 sharing approach could lead to a more harmonious family life, maintaining it is never easy, with the Kranenburgs claiming it could be "chaotic and stressful."
Shared parenting could also test a relationship or marriage. Unfortunately, this parenting approach could be more complicated for a majority of families, especially those who were not as fortunate as the Kranenburgs. With the addition of financial crisis, marital woes, work issues or a child who needs more attention, couples could experience significant levels of stress and resentment.
In an era of modern parenting, marriage historian Stephanie Coontz revealed American parents have higher expectations and often aim to change child-raising rules amid the heightened demands. Coontz also stressed society's perspective on familial infrastructure remains a two-parent, single-income ideology.
Raising kids today, on the other hand, have been different from parenting in previous generations. Since it's also part of a parent's decision, it's their responsibility to embrace all the extra burdens that come with it and as the society embraces shared parenting, the parenting part of the equation has undeniably magnified.
As for couples with no flexible work schedules, shared parenting could be a challenge. Another major issue in altering the traditional parenting dynamics is the internalized gender stereotypes.
Despite the fact that many couples or parents want to share child-raising burdens and responsibilities, Coontz emphasized that there will still be someone who should prioritize family more and work less -- and that should be the woman. However, this could be too overwhelming for mothers.
Fathers, however, could also experience some conflict between work and family. Fortunately, experts found a solution for an effective shared parenting practice and that would be dividing responsibilities by proclivity.
Meanwhile, shared parenting has been strongly advocated in the United States with the states of Missouri, South Dakota, Utah, Minnesota and Arizona passing their own child custody reform laws. The U.S. and World Report News reveals that shared parenting has also attracted several criticisms among feminist organizations and bar associations, claiming not all post-divorce families can adapt the shared parenting concept.
Shared parenting has been defined as a collaborative child custody arrangement following a divorce and separation. This approach typically allows both parents to have an equal right and responsibility to be actively involved in raising a child, Family Lives explains.
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