Suchitra Krishnamoorthi on co-parenting with Shekhar Kapur: ‘He’s the holiday dad’

Co-parenting post-separation often presents distinct challenges, as recently highlighted by actress Suchitra Krishnamoorthi in a podcast discussion. She explained that amicable co-parenting benefits children, who thrive when they receive love and support from both parents. Krishnamoorthi, reflecting on her parenting arrangement, humorously remarked, "He's the good cop.

I'm the responsible one. I'm the full-time mum, and he's the holiday dad." This division of roles is common in separated families, with one parent often handling daily routines and discipline while the other focuses on enjoyable activities. However, it's crucial for parents to maintain a balance, ensuring children experience both connection and consistency.

Sonal Khangarot, a counsellor and psychotherapist, notes that the "fun parent" vs. "responsible parent" dynamic can lead to loyalty conflicts if children perceive one parent as overly lenient and another as strict. To avoid this, parents should strive for shared responsibility, consistent expectations, and the ability to be both nurturing and enjoyable, rather than competing for their child's affection.

The ideal parenting approach combines warmth with appropriate structure, allowing children to develop self-regulation and an understanding of consequences. Healthy co-parenting hinges on consistency, respectful communication, and prioritizing the child's well-being, ensuring they know they are loved by both parents.