When Co-Parenting Is Not Possible
Cooperative co-parenting requires two willing participants. When one parent is high-conflict (personality disordered, abusive, chronically hostile, or manipulative), attempts at cooperation become opportunities for continued abuse. Parallel parenting disengages from the other parent while maintaining focus on the children. In parallel parenting, each parent manages their own household independently with minimal contact. Communication is limited to essential child-related information delivered through writing only—no phone calls, no in-person conversations. Exchanges happen in public locations or through third parties. Each parent follows the court-ordered parenting plan exactly, without flexibility or negotiation, because flexibility requires trust that does not exist.