How Celebs Co-Parenting Normalises Conversation Around Divorce

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent separation from his wife Sophie sent shockwaves across the world. The couple was married for 18 years with three kids; sons Xavier, and Hadrien and daughter Ella-Grace. 

The announcement, yet again, has brought into perspective the issues that follow a divorce including but not limited to co-parenting and maintaining mutual respect and admiration. 

According to a research study by The Family Institute at Northwestern University, 'The co-parenting relationship pertains to the connection between parents in their role as caregivers to their children, distinct from their relationship as a married couple.' 

It further states that the other things that constitute towards co-parenting can be characterised by collaborating as a team for the child, jointly participating in hands-on child care, effectively handling disagreements related to the child, and experiencing a sense of reinforcement while navigating the challenges of parenting.

Celebrity Divorced Couples Co-parenting

Several Indian celebrity couples like Malaika Arora-Arbaaz Khan, Hrithik Roshan-Suzzane Khan, Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao, Farhan Akhtar-Adhuna Bhabani, Saif Ali Khan-Amrita Singh, Arjun Rampal-Mehr Jesia have successfully co-parented their children after divorce. 

Malaika Arora has opened up about parenting her son, Arhaan Khan, with her ex-husband Arbaaz. Malaika said that "Co-parenting is extremely challenging as you don't always see eye to eye with the other parent on various matters. Especially after separation, there is always something that you both will not sync on." 

Furthermore, the study suggests, achieving successful co-parenting demands the skills of bargaining, showing consideration, and offering assistance. Proficient co-parents uphold each other's choices and judgments, establish and adhere to arrangements concerning child-rearing, and avoid diminishing each other's efforts.

Malaika speaking about her relationship with Arbaaz as a co-parent said, "I take pride in stating that Arbaaz and I can today coexist and no love has been lost. It gives me immense pleasure to say that we are able to provide Arhaan with all the care he deserves. We are there for him together as a single unit."

Not only Malaika, but Hrithik Roshan has also opened up about his experience as a co-parent after his divorce from Sussanne. They have been on excellent terms and it is reflected in their sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan. Hrithik speaking about the equation his ex said, "My relationship with Sussanne is one of harmony and contentment. As a father, I am raising two young men, and they need to understand that their mother is held in high regard and treated with esteem." He further said that "It's important for them to grasp that two individuals can go their separate ways yet remain united as a family."

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Families co-existing at their best 

Recently, Farhan Akhtar shared a picture from his daughter's convocation ceremony, which the entire family attended. Alongside Farhan, his ex-wife Adhuna Bhabani, his current wife Shibani Dandekar, and other family members, including Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, and Honey Irani, were present to celebrate Shakya's remarkable achievement.

In the year 2000, Farhan Akhtar got married to the renowned hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani. However, their marriage ended after seventeen years, and they officially divorced in 2017. Despite their separation, they continue to share a close bond as loving parents to their two beautiful daughters, Shakya and Akira. Last year, Farhan Akhtar exchanged wedding vows with Shibani Dandekar, surrounded by their family members and friends, sealing their love and commitment to each other. This picture seems like a great example of blended families, and why members coexisting can turn out to be the best thing for growing children. 

Fostering resilient, collaborative, and caring co-parenting connections bears equal significance whether parents are divorced or married. Giving precedence to nurturing co-parenting is imperative to safeguard the safety and welfare of children.

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