Co-Parenting Dynamics: Spending Time Together After a Divorce

Is it Normal for a Recently Divorced Couple Who Share Children to Hang Out with the Kids Several Days a Week for Hours at a Time?

Yes, it can be normal for a recently divorced couple who share children to spend time together for the sake of their kids even as they begin dating other people. Many co-parents prioritize maintaining a sense of family and stability for their children during and after a divorce. Here are some considerations:

Co-Parenting Dynamics

Effective Co-Parenting: Effective co-parenting often involves collaboration and communication. Spending time together can help reinforce a united front for the children.

Children's Well-Being

Positive Interactions: Children may benefit from seeing their parents interact positively, which can provide emotional security during a transitional period.

Dating Considerations

Establishing Boundaries: As both parents start dating, it’s important to establish boundaries and communicate openly about how and when they will spend time together with the kids.

Individual Relationships: While spending time together as a family is beneficial, each parent should also prioritize developing their individual relationships with new partners, ensuring those partners understand the co-parenting situation.

Personal Experiences

If by “normal” you mean “common,” then no. But if by “normal” you mean “healthy and good,” then yes.

When my kids were younger, my ex-living nearby, even living in the apartment with us for a time—had a good co-parenting relationship. It was great for the boys to experience having both parents around for a time. We would all go places together, eat together a lot. It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was good for them.

She eventually remarried and moved far away, and that was a difficult adjustment for the boys. But having their early years with her around was really great.

The Question of Normality

It may not be common but I’ve found that it works for my family. We’re still working through the...

Does This Behavior Indicate the Parents Want to Get Back Together?

Highly unlikely. Just because a child’s parents are no longer romantically involved doesn’t mean they’re not still a family, and any decent parent will try to make that a priority if at all possible.

For People Dating a Recently Divorced Parent

If you’re insecure about dating someone who wants to make raising their children and preserving a sense of family a priority, you’re too self-conscious to be dating a single parent at least, a recently divorced one. They can’t choose their parents—you can, however, choose your partner. Their children were in their life before you came into it, and they SHOULD be the number one priority. Would you not want your children to be a priority if your partner went on to date someone else?

In conclusion, healthy co-parenting arrangements, even when involving time spent together with the children, can be beneficial for all involved. Stability and communication are key in ensuring the well-being of the children.