Equally Shared Parenting - Half the Work ... All the Fun



 Subscribe in a reader

Here's where we keep you updated on news about parenting as it relates to division of responsibilities, career versus home decisions, work/life balance, and legislative and grass-roots movements toward equality or better choices for families. We'll also throw in our opinions of life as equal parents in a nonequal world, regardless of what's in the news.

Add to Technorati Favorites


Equality Blog

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Does Competition Kill ESP?

Marc and I were surprised to find a substantial piece in The Independent (UK national paper) yesterday about equally shared parenting, and, well, those crazy, over-serious, torchbearing Vachons. The Independent has covered us before, also without notice or without interviewing us, but actually we've found each instance to be a nice piece of writing that provokes thought and discussion. The only thing we find unfortunate about this new article is the title (which we know all too well usually gets written by someone other than the article's author and aims to stir up negative emotion): Shared Parenting: A Disastrous Double Act. Gee golly, makes sharing the childraising sound downright sinister!

The article is written by a mother who describes her husband as the type destined to love being a stay-at-home dad; yet, when their son first arrives, she surprises herself by falling in love with their baby and wanting to spend at least equal time raising him. A perfect set-up for ESP, one would assume. Unfortunately, this couple approaches the sharing as a tug of war - each competing for 'best parent' status, butting heads over their very different parenting styles, and butting in when they each needed to let go to honor and learn from the other's contributions. By the time their son reached the end of his first year, they were seriously discussing divorce.

What we have here is a detailed account of something well worth discussion: the fact that the first year as new parents can wreak havok on a couple's relationship. Plain and simple. To then choose to truly share equally this experience with your partner can add even more stress if you aren't both prepared to connect as an intimate team. And if you both grit your teeth and poke each other with your elbows as you share the diapering duty, you may even find the whole experience more unbearable than doing it alone or with a checked-out, mostly-absent partner. This is not the spirit of ESP, although on the surface it looks like the work is being shared.

We loved this piece because, more so than any other account we've read, it is an excellent, poignant illustration of the fact that ESP is anything but the easy way out. Sharing two lives to any extent can be a challenge, and ESP accentuates this by the level of intimacy that it creates and requires. It leaves no stone unturned, and no hiding places in the relationship. Because of the high level of communication required by both partners, and the need to work out all the bumps together along the way, it is a life of brutal honesty. And we'd have it no other way.

Any major life change can bring challenges to a couple who wishes to share it as equal partners - be that traveling together around the world, starting a business together, or having children and choosing to share equally in their care. The alternative to ESP is to split the experiences and power, relegating one partner to junior status as a parent (something that can work well for many, but we suspect would have brought even more misery to these two parents who both so clearly wanted time and a deep connection with their son).

We would like to offer that ESP itself - the true equal sharing of breadwinning, housework, childraising, and time for self - is not the core of the problem that this article describes. And that when two parents want the same deep connection with their kids, the bravery of addressing this head on might actually be more satisfying than the lives that a traditional arrangement might have provided. The author blames the inherent competition in her relationship for their miserable first year of parenting together. And competition turned inward in a relationship can indeed poison the trust that ESP requires. We've seen plenty of extremely competitive ESP parents (and some who are the opposite); but competition doesn't stop them from having a great relationship - it actually fuels their desire to succeed together because they turn their 'must win' energy toward fortifying their ESP lives against outside forces rather than competing against each other.

The author mentions that both she and her husband wish our book wasn't so downright serious about equal sharing. We kinda do wish we could be fluffy and light about the topic, but then the important stuff wouldn't get addressed. ESP is a model; models are not any particular couple's full-time reality - they are aspirations. And so much of what is written about equal sharing gets stuck in the surface stuff - the unimportant 'how to divide up the laundry' silliness. ESP is a substantial lifestyle choice, based not on charting out laundry division but on a shared willingness to walk in each other's shoes on a daily basis and a shared desire for equality and balanced lives. With all the pitfalls and difficulties, we had to be serious about the philosophy behind ESP to get at why a couple would want to work through everything it entails to reach lives that they love.

Toward the conclusion of the article, the author describes some light at the end of her stress-filled, fight-ridden tunnel. She notices how their son is free to choose either of his parents when he needs or wants anything, and that her husband has grown into an amazing father. She begins to appreciate how his skills can actually complement hers - how he is so well able to bring out strong, positive traits in their son that she is less inclined to encourage, for example. And she believes in the vision of ESP - still.

This article touched us. We felt the author's genuine emotional struggle and her wish to learn the lessons and make peace with the terrible moments. It so clearly illustrates how ESP can bring out the truth about our relationships - whether we're ready to see this truth or not. I've never been a fan of hiding from the truth, however, and I know it makes us better off in the end. I hope that this couple can reap the rewards of their struggles so far, and see how far they have already come. And I hope that readers can get past that damn title and start talking about the truth in their own relationships...and reach for the beauty that ESP brings.

33 Comments:

Anonymous best essay writing service company said...

Targets might be put at any separation between 8 yards (7.3 m) and 55 yards (50.3 m) from the terminating line. Targets are regularly put at about an indistinguishable range from the shooter, however it is normal for them to seem high up banks or in trees, or down soak slants.

The hit or "execute" zone of an objective is constantly round, and ostensibly 40–45 mm in breadth, in spite of the fact that "reducer" focuses as little as 25 mm measurement might be utilized for situated shots up to 35 yards (32 m). The objectives are painted with the slaughter a differentiating shading to help perceivability, despite the fact that the paint is immediately expelled by hits amid rivalries, making it harder to recognize.

2:47 AM  
Blogger Jimmy Herbst said...

Writing is really important matter in the modern work. It is everywhere – conferences, essays, official letters, etc. And it is so important to make a good impression. If you doubt in your text look for help in the resource https://www.thrivingwriter.com/proofreading-service. Here you can buy a new one or just have an order proofreading and editing. These guys are real professionals!

8:26 AM  
Anonymous careersbooster said...

I don't think that it kills ESP. I mean, equally shared parenting has always been around right? Almost every married couple out there does equally shared parenting and I see nothing wrong with that. Both of the parents should have the right to act as a parent and that should always be the case to ensure a long lasting relationship. If parents don’t act equally on each other then conflicts are more likely to arise so make sure that you will be fair at all times.

11:29 PM  
Blogger anonymous said...

keep it up

5:36 AM  
Blogger andrewmathew said...

Hi there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a fair price? Kudos, I appreciate it! search engine marketing agency singapore

4:07 AM  
Blogger BroddyAdams said...

Somebody essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible. Magnificent job!online organic store chennai

3:36 AM  
Blogger RichardDavison said...

Simply desire to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.van rental singapore

5:33 AM  
Blogger RonaldPhair said...

Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I'm trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.pain clinic singapore

12:18 AM  
Blogger andrewmathew said...

Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would really benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks a lot!
marketing firms singapore

11:07 PM  
Blogger BroddyAdams said...

You made some decent points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most persons will go along with with your website.corporate gifting company in chennai

7:24 PM  
Blogger Bourton Valies said...

Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in depth information you provide. It's nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same out of date rehashed information. Great read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm including your RSS feeds to my Google account. H2 maths tuition

5:19 AM  
Blogger Dimitry kolokov said...

I am curious to find out what blog platform you are using? I'm experiencing some minor security problems with my latest blog and I'd like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?best maid agency Singapore

12:08 PM  
Blogger kristinahojholt said...

I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the excellent works guys I've included you guys to blogroll. kids programming

12:19 AM  
Blogger andrewmathew said...

Thanks for the marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back from now on. I want to encourage continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend! diatomaceous earth Singapore

2:56 AM  
Blogger andrewmathew said...

Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back from now on. I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice weekend! freelance web designer singapore

2:20 AM  
Blogger BroddyAdams said...

Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone! kids holiday programs

8:42 AM  
Blogger RogerLavoie said...

Thanks to this crazy blog, I got to know more information, its very knowledgeable, thanks again for this wonderful post.
editing services

5:52 AM  
Blogger kristinahojholt said...

Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Singapore digital marketing agency

10:56 AM  
Blogger JuanLeclair said...

Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
car insurance

10:58 PM  
Blogger Michael Hollie said...

Thanks for your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will come back at some point. I want to encourage that you continue your great work, have a nice morning!
set up effective landing pages

6:21 AM  
Blogger DruZeta Mitar said...

Magnificent goods from you, man. I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just too great. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific web site.
awesome UX and UI samples

4:56 AM  
Blogger kristinahojholt said...

Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!
experimenting with different colors

6:55 AM  
Blogger Sienna Popies said...

Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group? There's a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thanks
how to choose the right Seo

5:08 AM  
Blogger kristinahojholt said...

Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I'm getting sick and tired of Wordpress because I've had problems with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Clarke Quay hotel

9:53 AM  
Blogger Rick Cottle said...

Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
digital marketing consultant singapore

9:24 PM  
Anonymous Dissertation Help UK said...

Extrasensory perception is also called the sixth sense but it is a useful post for the experts in psychologists.

10:45 PM  
Blogger William Stephen said...

I am happy to see such a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing a valuable information. I really appreciate your efforts sharing a information about this topic. Fairfax Traffic Lawyer

3:09 AM  
Blogger samson said...

The topic of competition and its impact on ESP (Email Service Providers) is thought-provoking. While it may not directly relate to SharePoint integrations, the concept of competition is universal across industries.

4:48 AM  
Blogger samson said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

4:48 AM  
Blogger samson said...


The discussion on whether competition kills the concept of equal shared parenting is thought-provoking. While it may not directly relate to SharePoint integrations, it draws attention to the importance of collaboration and cooperation

4:58 AM  
Anonymous Alex said...

Facing charges for reckless driving due to failure to maintain control in Virginia? Reckless Driving Failure to Maintain Control Virginia Our legal experts provide strategic defense, leveraging their knowledge to protect your rights and minimize potential consequences.

2:23 AM  
Blogger Alainaa said...

No-fault divorce in New York is revolutionary because it prioritizes mutual consent over placing blame. It simplifies the procedure and makes it less confrontational and more cordial. Resolution is given priority in this progressive strategy, which aids couples in moving through separation amicably and effectively. Bravo to New York for adopting a more contemporary and humane divorce law!What is No Fault Divorce in New York

11:56 PM  
Anonymous protective orders in virginia said...

Interesting content. The blog written is extremely impressive, with a great topic. It seems really very colorful and attarctive.

2:53 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home

Powered by Blogger


  Home · What is Equally Shared Parenting? · How It Works · ESP The Book · Equality Blog · In the News · Toolbox · Real Life Stories · Contact Marc and Amy · Resources
All Contents ©2006-2010 Marc and Amy Vachon