[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/parallel-parenting-guide\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/parallel-parenting-guide\/","headline":"Parallel Parenting Time: a Solution for High Conflict Parents","name":"Parallel Parenting Time: a Solution for High Conflict Parents","description":"Parenting after a separation or divorce can be a challenging journey, especially when communication and cooperation between co-parents is strained or non-existent. The concept of parallel parenting has emerged as an effective strategy to manage high-conflict situations while prioritizing the well-being of the children involved. In this blog, we will discuss how parallel parenting can […]","datePublished":"2024-01-26","dateModified":"2026-02-03","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/#Person","name":"James Kraayeveld","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/author\/james-kraayeveld\/","identifier":29,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f327c36375f93cacc1f5818cbd6ca5f9c1c362ddf86682a8d1f0adac2b1f6198?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kraayeveld-Logo.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/parallel-parenting-time.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/parallel-parenting-time.jpg","height":682,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/parallel-parenting-guide\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ghB0_d4qlow#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ghB0_d4qlow","name":"10 Steps to Create a Parenting Time Schedule That Works","description":"10 Steps to Create a Parenting Time Schedule That Works\n\nDivorce or separation is hard enough\u2014but when kids are involved, creating a parenting time schedule can be one of the toughest parts. \ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67\u200d\ud83d\udc66\n\nIn this video, Attorney Jim Kraayeveld walks you step-by-step through how to build a realistic parenting time plan that keeps life stable and child-focused. From understanding Michigan\u2019s custody guidelines to choosing the right schedule (2-2-3, 2-3-2, week-on\/week-off), you\u2019ll learn what works best for your family\u2014based on your child\u2019s age, your schedules, and your ability to cooperate.\n\n\u2696\ufe0f The best schedule is the one that reduces conflict and helps your child thrive.\n\ud83c\udf10 kraayeveld.com | \u260e\ufe0f (616)-612-1393\n\n#MichiganDivorce #ParentingTime #ChildCustody #FamilyLaw #KraayeveldFamilyLaw","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ghB0_d4qlow\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ghB0_d4qlow\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ghB0_d4qlow\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ghB0_d4qlow\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ghB0_d4qlow\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-10-10T13:01:24+00:00","duration":"PT9M38S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ghB0_d4qlow","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCIFBq8W6k05pXgw0k98DZPQ","name":"Kraayeveld Family Law","description":"\nGrand Rapids family law attorneys helping clients with divorce and child custody disputes in West Michigan.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/0ucpS3xzwE2Lhnwtcd7eoF0oLwq7VmOIYlMbRuDAMZJdnz1G6W69BDWIvkGPEEHYXHzsdvPDLg=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ghB0_d4qlow#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ghB0_d4qlow#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ghB0_d4qlow&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ghB0_d4qlow#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":210}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ghB0_d4qlow#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":10}]},"about":["Visitation"],"wordCount":747,"articleBody":"Parenting after a separation or divorce can be a challenging journey, especially when communication and cooperation between co-parents is strained or non-existent. The concept of parallel parenting has emerged as an effective strategy to manage high-conflict situations while prioritizing the well-being of the children involved. In this blog, we will discuss how parallel parenting can be ordered in Michigan, and we offer insights, tips, and resources for families facing this unique situation.Understanding Parallel ParentingParallel parenting is a co-parenting approach designed for high-conflict situations where parents have difficulty communicating and cooperating. In this model, each parent is responsible for the children during their designated parenting time, and decisions related to the children are made independently. The key principle of parallel parenting is to minimize direct contact and conflicts between parents, focusing instead on the best interests of the children.Legal Framework in MichiganIn Michigan, the legal system favors parents co-parenting. Family courts also emphasize the importance of both parents maintaining a meaningful relationship with their children, while also recognizing the need to protect the children from exposure to ongoing parental conflicts.Key Elements of a Parallel Parenting Plan OrderDetailed Parenting Schedule: A clear and specific parenting schedule is key to a successful parallel parenting arrangement. It should outline the days, times, and locations for exchanges, as well as any special considerations for holidays or vacations.Communication Guidelines: Establishing clear guidelines for communication is essential. This may include using a designated communication platform, such as Our Family Wizard, setting specific times for updates, and outlining topics that can be discussed.Decision-Making Authority: Clearly define which parent has decision-making authority for specific areas, such as education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities and how disputes are handled during each parent\u2019s time with the children. This ensures that both parents have a say in their children\u2019s lives, while minimizing conflicts.Dispute Resolution Mechanism: The order should include a mechanism for resolving disputes that may arise. This could involve appointing a parenting coordinator, a designated mediator, a neutral third party, or a process for seeking court intervention when necessary.Information Sharing: The order should outline how information about the children (e.g., school reports, medical updates) will be shared between parents. The goal is to maintain transparency while minimizing direct contact.Practical Tips for Successful Parallel ParentingMinimize In-Person Contact: Constant in-person contact is a breeding ground for tempers to flare.\u00a0Written contact allows both parties to cool down and consider the reasonableness of their arguments.Commit to Brief Communications: Even in parallel parenting, some level of communication is necessary. Use the agreed upon or ordered communication platform, keep exchanges brief, business-like, and focused on the children\u2019s well-being, and do not let your communications escalate into a dispute.Consistency is Key: Stick to the court ordered schedule as closely as possible. Punctuality and reliability help build trust and stability for the children.Respect Boundaries: Avoid interfering with the other parent\u2019s time and decision-making authority. Even if you do not trust that they have the children\u2019s best interest in mind, conflict between the parents is very detrimental to the children\u2019s well being. If the other parent shows a pattern of poor decision making, the best process is to document the pattern, seek professional advice from a mediator or parenting coordinator, or seek court intervention.Focus on the Children\u2019s Well-Being: Always make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the children, rather than personal grievances or conflicts with the other parent.Seek Support and Professional Guidance: Consider seeking support from a therapist or life coach.\u00a0A therapist will teach you coping mechanisms to handle the stress of the high conflict relationship, and also can teach you how to navigate your written disagreements.\u00a0For example, words such as \u201calways\u201d and \u201cnever\u201d may hurt your credibility and aggravate the other parent.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tParallel parenting can be a valuable tool for families navigating high-conflict co-parenting situations in Michigan. By establishing clear directives in a court order and focusing on the best interests of the children, parents can create a stable and nurturing environment despite the challenges they may face. With dedication, clear boundaries, and professional help from a mediator or parenting coordinator, parallel parenting can provide a path towards a healthier and more harmonious family dynamic. If you need assistance creating a parallel parenting plan, call the custody and parenting time attorneys at Kraayeveld Family Law at 616-285-0808 to have a free, no obligation consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Parallel Parenting Time: a Solution for High Conflict Parents","item":"https:\/\/www.kraayeveld.com\/blog\/parallel-parenting-guide\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]