Relationship expert Dr. Darcy Sterling is throwing some advice for former couples who are in a co-parenting situation. The "Famously Single" TV therapist believes this arrangement can work best if the focus is on the child's best interest.
Many on-and-off romantic relationships become less conflicted when the former partners decide to just be co-parents instead of remaining a couple. One such example is the relationship between reality TV stars Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick who share three kids.
Successful co-parents understand they need to put their children first above their feelings of resentments towards an ex. "They need to agree on what's important in life," Sterling said, alluding to the children, according to E! Online.
Kardashian once said co-parenting with Disick was easy because they always make it a point to communicate when it's about their kids. The two were together for nine years before calling it quits in 2015. They never married.
"You have to keep discussing what's going on because as the children grow older, the rules need to be renegotiated," Kardashian said, per Daily Mail. "We make sure we go on days out together because the kids love it," she revealed.
Sterling also said that eventually when co-parents start dating other people, they shouldn't talk about the ex with the person they are dating and vice versa. They also shouldn't introduce the man or woman to the kids right away until the new relationship becomes a serious commitment.
Ideally, when a person does become committed to a new partner, Sterling said it would help to discuss parenting goals and aspirations first. Having a child together is a lifelong responsibility. "You need to make sure you have the same parenting philosophies," she said.
Do you agree with the doctor's advice? Do you have any thoughts about co-parenting you'd like to share? Sound off in the comments section below!
