Co-parenting can take its toll. There are many for each parent considerations and compromise often has to be reached in order for it to work out well. But for some parents here in Houston, religion presents great challenges.
We all know that religion is a difficult topic to discuss and often, discussions about beliefs end up causing conflicts among those involved. When it comes to relationships, there is evidence suggesting that married couples of different religions with conflicting beliefs do not end up staying together.
There have been many cases where couples that argue over religious differences cause rifts in their intimacy and thus end up in a complex divorce and involved in child custody disputes.
Some experts feel that it’s quite ironic considering that religion preaches love, understanding and tolerance. However, no one can predict divorce, especially in a country where it’s quite easy to obtain one.
Regardless who gets primary custody of the children, both parents should continue to do whatever is in the best interest of the child. Part of this is ensuring that religious beliefs do not get in the way of parenting. When parents don’t share the same religious views, holidays, diet and traditions may conflict.
To make it work, experts suggest treating religious holidays with the child or children like a timeshare. Since most Christianity-based religions have similar holiday celebrations and customs, it is not difficult to balance things. But for those who have to co-parent with religions that are very different from each other, it may be challenging.
According to the article, both parents need to compromise in such a case. The parent who wants to have more religious holidays with the child may consider asking to celebrate fewer secular holidays with the child. If parents can reach an agreement on this, it will be better for both parents as well for the child.
The child can be as easily affected by the divorce as the parents. While the children may not fully understand the legalities of the divorce, they can feel the changes associated to it.
Source: The Huffington Post,” Co-Parenting When Religious Considerations Are Significant,” Tara Fass, July 9, 2013
