Fathers with joint physical custody of young children: A preliminary look

Shared Parenting: Critical Review of the Research Literature

“…The second is an extension of the fist-level of parenting involvement, especially among fathers. Here, there is near unanimity shared-parenting fathers were highly involved in parenting prior to the divorce (GrieJ 1979;Richards & Goldenberg, 1986), and that this was more likely of shared-parenting as opposed to sole-custody fathers (Irving & Benjamin). In addition, Shiller notes that shared-parenting mothers were more likely to perceive their former spouses as understanding and supportive, and to respect their parenting skills.…”

Joint custody: Current issues and implications for treatment

“…4) Another effect of joint physical custody on men described by Rosenthal and Keshet (1981) is a shift in values away from work and toward relationships, especially the parent-child relationship. One father of a son, age 11, described this vividly: (Richards & Goldenberg, 1983).…”

“…A recent pilot study (Richards & Goldenberg, 1983) of fathers with joint physical custody of children ages six or younger found that fathers experienced a growth in nurturance and emotional expression. As an example, one father of a daughter, age 3, commented, "I think I'm a lot more aware of my own emotions .…”

“…Now that joint physical custody has become more widespread, it is found among families who have less cordial relations between the spouses and who are less consistent in childcare practices and beliefs (Rothberg, 1983), and among parents, especially fathers, who have had little involvement with their children prior to divorce (Richards & Goldenberg, 1983).…”

Cooperative Parenting Arrangements After Marital Separation

“…Very little is known about how separated parents negotiate and maintain shared parenting plans independently of involvement in the court or mental health systems (Jaffe, Austin, Leschied, & Sas, 1987). In some of these shared parenting studies only one of the parents has been interviewed (D' Andrea, 1983;Richards & Goldenberg, 1986, White & Bloom, 1981. Since ex-spouses may view the "samc" parenting arrangement in an entirely different light, not including both parents may compromise thc correct and reliable identification of spccific custody and access arrangements, as well as obscure evaluations of cooperative parenting arrangements which.by definition must be agreeable to both parents.…”