When you don't get along with your child's other parent, or it isn't safe to interact with them, parallel parenting can help "create space".

That's according to Gabriella Pomare, a family lawyer and co-parenting coach.

"It's for those families where communication between parents is just too hard, too heated, or unsafe."

Unlike co-parenting, Ms Pomare says parallel parenting is when each parent takes responsibility for their time with the kids, with minimal interaction.

"It's a way of lowering the temperature while still making sure kids get to have both parents in their lives."

There are pros and cons to the arrangement, says Carly Dober, a psychologist and policy coordinator at the Australian Association of Psychologists.

Knowing what those are can help parents and caregivers decide

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