Parallel parenting

Katherine Sellwood, PsyD Family Psychologist, shares advice for divorced parents on how parallel parenting is the best method for children of parents who can't get along due to the level of conflict
Parallel Parenting After High-Conflict Divorce
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Parallel parenting

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There are some parents that simply cannot get along, due to the level of conflict; whether they are not willing to, can't, or won't get past this. If they are not able to cooperatively co-parent, which would be the best for the child, then they do something that is called parallel parenting. Parallel parenting comes from a term in child's play, where when children can't interact with one another, they just play alongside each other. That's typically what the parents are doing. When the child is in the dad's care, the mother has no contact. When the child is with the mother, the dad has no contact. It is only where they intersect in common activities, such as, school activities or sports or games. The pick up and drop off is clearly defined. There is minimal contact with the other parent as possible.
ALL PARENTS, Divorce, Co-Parenting

Katherine Sellwood, PsyD Family Psychologist, shares advice for divorced parents on how parallel parenting is the best method for children of parents who can't get along due to the level of conflict

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Katherine Sellwood, PsyD

Psychologist

Dr. Katherine Sellwood is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Encino, California, who specializes in child, adult and forensic family psychology. She began her Master's Degree training at Pepperdine University, continuing her education at C.S.P.P. to obtain a Doctoral Degree in the field of Clinical Psychology. Since entering the field in 1996, Dr. Sellwood has garnered a diverse professional background that includes working as an elementary and middle school counselor, college and regional center disabilities specialist, executive director of a non-profit organization in psychology, consulting psychologist at hospitals and in-patient medical facilities, and an academic Professor of Psychology at several graduate schools. Dr. Sellwood has been a guest lecturer presenting topics that include: anger management, early childhood development, play therapy techniques, taking a stand against teenage violence, developing resilience, treating children of divorce, loss and grief, adolescent girls and disordered body images, understanding behavioral difficulties.

Dr. Sellwood holds a license in clinical psychology through the state of California. She is on the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, and is a Diplomate with the American Board of Professional Psychology. Her professional affiliations also include The American Psychological Association, The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and The American Academy of Clinical Psychology. She has received professional honors and recognition through the Psy Chi National Honor Society of Psychology, the California Senate for excellence in school counseling, student nominated Who’s Who of America’s Teachers, and peer nominated Sierra Tucson’s Gratitude for Giving.

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