As a child growing up in a two-parent household, I didn’t think much of the fact that both parents were living together and parenting together. I mean, kids aren’t really known for noticing that kind of thing, are they? They know what they see and what they're used to and, whether that's a two-parent situation or a single parent home, it's normal to them. However, now that I have a family of my own, I’m thankful I’m parenting with a partner (and by “thankful,” I mean, “crumble onto my knees in weepy gratitude."). There are things grown-ass co-parents do every day to stay strong and parent to the best of their ability, and like I said, I'm just over the moon really freakin' thankful that I'm part of a grown-ass co-parenting team.
Of course, I know it’s possible to parent solo (I offer all my humble respect and appreciation for those that are doing it or have done it or will do it), and that many people are ballers as single parents. I also know that I can't claim to be anything close to a baller. Not to downplay the responsibilities and challenges of co-parenting, because, I mean, all parenting can be difficult. But when you have a parenting partner, who can help you with all things big and small, the distribution of certain obligations can make even the most difficult of parenting tasks seem somewhat manageable.
Of course, in order to maintain an healthy co-parenting relationship, it's important to continually evaluate. Parenthood requires just as much, if not more, attention to detail than any other responsibility couples might share; whether it be money or a home or chores or careers or coming up with a schedule so one of you does not secretly sneak ahead when you’re watching Netflix together. Basically, co-parenting takes diligent work, which is why every grown-ass co-parent is going to do these 11 things, every day: