As Mum and Dad we bring different concepts and what I would call inherent skills, to the role of Parent. Both are capable of providing most if not all needs of a child. When they work together, the sum is much greateer than the individual parents efforts.

The child has a much better chance of a successfull transition to Adulthood.

For example
Last night I collected our son (4yrs 8 mths) from a park and play ground near Mum's. We sat together and watched our son play. Our son saw us sitting and talking. The idea to sit in the park at change over was Mum's. I had previosly proposed we do something together with our son. We regularly talk about issues concerning our son. Little detail such as access to the fridge. At dads he is allowed access after asking and No means No. At Mum's, direct access is frowned upon. Now we both understand the difference and reinforce each others boundaries set for him.

This is only one of many topics we have discussed as separated parents. It was not alway so. But we have learned to allow the other their ways and not to judge. We have learned to trust each other as parents again. Not easy to do, but worth the effort.

Our son is extremely confident for his age, inquisitive and eloquent (for a 4 yr old). He is capable of making up his own mind, and bribes are a waste of time.
People who meet him for the 1st time often comment on how polite and well behaved he is. He know how to play up too, only too well, but then it his job to test the boundaries. For if he doesn't he will never mature beyond where he is today

I can see why this is made a 'sticky' well done OneAdad!

The childs best interest must always be the priority as is now always being reiterated upon me.

Having had my parents seperate when I was a teenager there are many scars, but if both parents can provide a plentiful supply of love, happiness and fun the scars will be dramatically reduced, if any show at all.

I will do the best to achieve the same for my son now.

Great if you have an ex that actually wants to talk about your child.

Unfortunately others try and make it too difficult.