Stronger Families, Brighter Futures: The Case for Shared parenting

Did you know that …….

The most recent round of National Parents Organization (NPO) shared parenting polling show overwhelming support for shared parenting in New York.

In fact, 92% of those who were polled in New York believe it is in the child’s best interest to have as much time as possible with each parent in cases of separation or divorce.

Shared parenting refers to a post-divorce or post-separation arrangement where both parents remain actively involved in their child’s life.

It’s important to note that shared parenting doesn’t simply mean 50/50 time, but shared responsibility, communication, and parental duties. Shared parenting is more than just dividing time. It includes joint decision-making, shared responsibilities, and ongoing communication to meet the child’s emotional, educational, and developmental needs.

The Many Benefits

  1. Better Emotional and Psychological Health:
    Children in shared parenting arrangements consistently show lower levels of anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. They feel more secure and loved when both parents are present in their lives.
    • Also Allowing for higher self-esteem and stronger emotional resilience than those in sole custody arrangements

  2. Stronger Relationships with Both Parents:
    Although it may seem obvious, shared parenting allows for a child to become closer and more connected with both parents. When both parents are actively involved, children develop deeper, more trusting relationships with each parent. Combined parental influence can help reduce feelings of abandonment or loyalty conflicts helping children maintain their identity through both sides of the family.

  3. More Balanced Life Skills and Perspectives:
    Having active input from both parents exposes children to a wider range of life skills, values, and role models. Whether it’s managing schedules, making decisions, or solving problems, shared parenting promotes independence and adaptability. Also, in relation, children in shared parenting setups tend to perform better in school, miss fewer days, and are more likely to graduate.

Legal & Social Landscape

Unfortunately, only a minority of U.S. states have a legal presumption in favor of shared parenting. Biases in custody still often favor one parent (typically the mother). Luckily, there are organizations like the National Parents Organization (NPO) and Leading Women for Shared Parenting (LW4SP) advocate for change making shared parenting a world wide normalization.

  • As stated by Pittsburgh Parent, 1 in 4 states don’t require judge to consider child’s custody preference
  • In Sweden and Belgium (shared parenting is the norm) child well-being scores are among the highest in the world

An Experts Opinion

According to a meta analysis by Linda Nielsen (Wake Forest University):
Children in shared parenting score higher in self-esteem and mental health. She displays how shared parenting lowers the risk of depression, substance abuse, and behavioral issues.

Myths vs. Facts?

Below are some common misconceptions and myths that may steer people away from parents sharing custody of their child:

  • Myth: Shared parenting confuses children
    Fact: Studies show it actually reduces confusion
  • Myth: It only works if parents get along
    Fact: It can succeed even with moderate conflict
  • Myth: Kids need one primary home
    Fact: Kids will benefit from strong ties to both parents

Take Action Now!

  • Sign up to join our advocacy newsletter here
  • Share your story here
  • Contact your legislator with our pre-written templates — create pre-written templates
  • Donate to support legal aid access for denied parents
    • Family Reunion – tax-deductible donations via PayPal to support shared parenting through national campaigns, legislative outreach, and media activation
    • Children’s Rights Council – donations go toward expanding access and supporting families in need
    • National Parents Organization – funds advocacy, research, and grassroots efforts to legally recognize shared parenting as the default

Table of Contents

NPO shared parenting polling displays how 92% believe its in the Child’s best interest to have time with both parents