“Co-parenting has certain inherent challenges, regardless of whether the parents are separated or together. Some of the biggest challenges is the distribution of responsibilities — one parent may feel burdened with being assigned most child-related tasks, as Rao did during her marriage to Khan. This imbalance can lead to frustration if one parent is seen as the ‘primary parent’ while the other is more of an occasional participant. Over time, this can create resentment and diminish collaborative parenting,” points out Namrata Jain, a counselling psychologist. (In pic: (Left) Namrata Jain and (right) Dr Naazneen Ladak)

Prioritise communication:

Clear and respectful communication about parenting goals, child-specific needs and expectations is essential. Avoid using the children as messengers between homes, and instead maintain a direct line of communication to resolve issues quickly. (In pic: single mother Shivani Sharma with her son)

Create a consistent routine:

Consistency in routines, discipline and expectations across both homes is critical for the child’s sense of security. Contradicting each other’s rules can lead to confusion and manipulation attempts by the children. (In pic: Meghna Ghodawat with her family)

Focus on the child’s well-being, not your feelings:

Personal conflicts must take a backseat to the child’s emotional and mental needs. This means setting aside differences and creating an atmosphere where children can feel loved, safe, and free from the tension of parental conflicts. (In pic: Film personalities Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao share a lighthearted moment in wacky costumes with their son Azad Khan Rao)

Set boundaries with new partners:

When new partners are involved, it’s crucial to have boundaries and clear communication around their role in the children’s lives to avoid confusion and feelings of instability (Pic: Representational)