Parents in very high conflict or in situations of domestic violence need to parent their children separately. When cooperation is not safe because one or both parents have been abusive, communication cannot be direct. Journals or email only is usually advised, and neither parent schedules activities for the child on the other parent’s time. In the most extreme instances, neutral Parenting Coordinators are necessary to help parents facilitate life for the children. Parents who parallel parent should always seek ways to move toward a more cooperative style of parenting.
