Equal shared parenting, also known as joint custody or co-parenting, has many benefits for children and parents alike. However, despite its advantages, there are still many barriers that prevent parents from being able to share parenting responsibilities equally. In this blog post, we will explore some of the barriers to equal shared parenting.
Traditional Gender Roles One of the biggest barriers to equal shared parenting is traditional gender roles. Historically, women have been seen as the primary caregivers and men as the primary breadwinners. This mindset can make it difficult for some fathers to obtain equal parenting time, as many people still believe that mothers are better suited for childcare. This gender bias can be difficult to overcome, even in court.
Court Bias Another barrier to equal shared parenting is the bias that exists within the court system. Judges and other court officials may have their own beliefs about gender roles and parenting, which can influence their decisions. In some cases, courts may be more likely to award custody to mothers, even if the father is equally capable and willing to share parenting responsibilities.
Lack of Resources For many families, equal shared parenting can be challenging due to a lack of resources. For example, if both parents work full-time, it may be difficult to find the time and energy to split parenting responsibilities equally. Additionally, some families may not have the financial resources to support two separate households, which can make equal shared parenting difficult or impossible.
Parental Conflict Conflict between parents can also be a significant barrier to equal shared parenting. When parents are unable to communicate effectively or work together to make decisions, it can be difficult to share parenting responsibilities equally. This can be especially true if there are ongoing disputes over issues like finances or parenting styles.
Lack of Legal Framework Finally, the lack of a legal framework for equal shared parenting can be a barrier to its implementation. While many states have laws that encourage or support equal shared parenting, not all states do. In some cases, the lack of legal support for shared parenting can make it difficult for parents to obtain equal custody or enforce custody agreements.
In conclusion, while equal shared parenting has many benefits, there are still many barriers that prevent parents from being able to share parenting responsibilities equally. These barriers can include traditional gender roles, court bias, lack of resources, parental conflict, and lack of legal framework. By recognizing these barriers and working to address them, we can move closer to a world where equal shared parenting is the norm, rather than the exception.
