Experts offer guidance on co-parenting and child emotional health

Experts in family therapy and coaching offer guidance for parents navigating the complexities of raising children, particularly in cases of separation or differing educational philosophies.

Family therapist José Díaz emphasizes that for separated parents, a “total divorce” does not exist when children are involved. He advises maintaining respectful, cordial relationships to protect children's emotional health and warns against the harmful practice of turning children against the other parent. Díaz also recommends that single parents build strong support networks consisting of family, friends, and community members.

Coach Sonia Díaz Rois addresses conflicts arising from differing parenting styles. She suggests that many disagreements are not actually about the child, but rather about parents defending the traditions and values they were raised with. She encourages parents to reflect on whether their convictions are universal truths or simply repetitions of their own upbringing to better manage communication and avoid unnecessary friction.