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Shared Parenting
BENEFITS OF SHARED PARENTING
By default, parents should have protected by law their responsibility to have input into major decisions affecting their children. International research clearly shows that shared parenting is associated with the best outcomes for children (see Neilson, 2011, 2013a & 2013b, 2014, 2018; Baude et al. 2016; Braver & Votruba, 2018; Poortman & van Gaalen, 2017; & Spruijt & Duindam, 2009).
Some examples of the positive outcomes of shared parenting for children include: (1) healthier emotional and social development, (2) healthier behavioural adjustment, (3) positive parent-child relationships, (4) greater parental involvement, (5) healthier family dynamics, (6) larger and more stable social support network, (7) better academic performance through stability, (8) gender equality from seeing the importance of both parents being involved in child rearing, and (9) long term psychological well-being in adulthood.
Where there are legitimate concerns for the safety of children, such as exploitation, neglect or abuse, appropriate measures need to be taken to protect children from further harm. However, children learn essential life skills, unique qualities, different perspectives, social skills, knowledge and a greater variety of experiences when both parents contribute to their upbringing. Removing shared parenting could limit the active involvement of one parent and potentially hinder the child's development, sense of stability, sense of identity and opportunities in life. It could also lead to emotional and psychological challenges.
When children are denied access to a loving relationship with both parents, the psychosocial outcomes for these children are serious and negative (Bentley & Matthewson, 2020: Miralles, Godoy, & Hidalgo, 2021; Verhaar, Matthewson & Bentley, 2022). Removing shared parental responsibility is in direct violation of the best interests of children. It does nothing to preserve this important right and need for children.
Download our 2023 submission for the reference list.
LATEST PEER REVIEWED RESEARCH
Systematic review and theoretical comparison of children’s outcomes in post-separation living arrangements
Laura M. Vowels, Chiara L. Comolli, Laura Bernardi, Daniela Chacon-Mendoza & Joelle Darwiche (2023)
PLOS ONE
Children in dual-residence arrangements: A literature review
Rakel Berman & Kristian Daneback (2022)
Journal of Family Studies
Shared Physical Custody (Book)
Interdisciplinary Insights in Child Custody Arrangements
Laura Bernardi & Dimitri Mortelmans (2021)
Springer
Does Joint Physical Custody “Cause” Children’s Better Outcomes?
Sanford L. Bravera and Ashley M. Votruba (2018)
Journal of Divorce & Remarriage
Why should they live more with one of us when they are children to us both?
Parents' motives for practicing equal joint physical custody for children aged 0–4
Emma Fransson, Anna Sarkadi, Anders Hjerna & Malin Bergströma (2016)
Children and Youth Services Review
Child Adjustment in Joint Physical Custody Versus Sole Custody: A Meta-Analytic Review
Amandine Baude, Jessica Pearson, & Sylvie Drapeau (2016)
Journal of Divorce & Remarriage
Social Science and Parenting Plans for Young Children: A Consensus Report
Richard Warshak (2014)
A broad consensus of accomplished researchers and practitioners (110 in total) agree that, in normal circumstances, the evidence supports shared residential arrangements for children under 4 years of age whose parents live apart from each other.
Sharing Care Equal and Primary Carer Fathers and Early Years Parenting (2021)
Authors: Rachel Brooks and Paul Hodkinson
Drawing on detailed qualitative research, this timely study explores the experiences of fathers who take on equal or primary care responsibilities for young children. The authors examine what prompts these arrangements, how fathers adjust to their caregiving roles over time, and what challenges they face along the way. The book asks what would encourage more fathers to become primary or equal caregivers, and how we can make things easier for those who do. Offering new academic insight and practical recommendations, this will be key reading for those interested in parenting, families and gender, including researchers, policymakers, practitioners and students.
Please Sign Our Petition
Parental Alienating Behaviours
are Child Abuse & Family Violence.
This serious form of abuse and family violence can no longer be ignored. Parental alienating behaviours must be acknowledged in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. We need legislation that not only acknowledges its existence but firmly and clearly legislates against it.