It is a well-established fact that a child experiencing dissolution of family structure will do better if parents are able to get along and reduce trauma in an already traumatic experience. Co-parenting can be a viable option when it is implemented by parents who want it to work because they understand that child's needs supersede their own self interest, and it can be successful and rewarding for both child and parents.

So, what exactly 3 greatest gift you can give to your children by co-parenting? Read on and I will reveal it to you 3 greatest gift you can give by co-parenting.

1. Co-parenting will let your children focus on what really matters to them.

Supportive co-parenting is important for a child's well being. Children need to experience a strong and cooperative relationship between their parents. Mothers and fathers who agree on most parenting issues and who support each other's efforts create an environment that allows children to grow and thrive. This type of atmosphere gives children opportunity to focus on what matters to them, such as school, their friends and activities and not their parents' disagreements.

Children experience supportive co-parenting when they receive same message from both parents and when they observe their parents supporting each other's parenting efforts.

When mothers and fathers can agree on parenting decisions, positive benefits of co-parenting are seen. These decisions range from routine, such as agreeing that bedtime is 8 p.m., to philosophical, such as beliefs about what is best for child.

2. Co-parenting will minimize level of stress your divorce brings to your children.

Cooperative co-parenting becomes single most important element in creating a stress-free and conflict-free family plan.

SUBJECT: Relationships, Family, & Communication

WORD COUNT: 890 including bylines

Have you ever heard of a Talking Stick? I hadn't until two days ago when my husband presented me with one! "Okay..." I thought, "Is this supposed to be some joke about me talking too much or what?" But then he continued his presentation saying, "Honey, I know that sometimes you think I'm not listening to you. I have to admit, sometimes you're right. But you are love of my life, and even when I'm distracted, I always want you to be my first priority. That's why I made this for you...I give you this Talking Stick as a symbol of my commitment to always put you first, no matter what. If there's ever a time when you don't think I'm paying attention to you, or if you think I'm ignoring something important...just pick up this Talking Stick. I promise to listen, without interruption, while you tell me what's on your mind." Wow! What woman wouldn't love that? A promise of undivided attention any time we want it! Does this man realize what he has just done?

I came to discover that Talking Stick has been used for centuries by many American Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had right to speak. Whoever holds Talking Stick within his hands has power of words. When matters of great concern came before council, leading elder would hold stick and begin discussion. When he finished what he had to say he would hold out stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner stick was passed from one individual to another until anyone who wished to speak had done so. The stick was then passed back to leading elder for safekeeping. It carries respect for free speech and assures speaker that he has freedom and power to say what is in his heart without fear of reprisal or humiliation.