The impact of co-parenting on children: how shared parenting affects child development and mental health in Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa

This study explores the impact of coparenting on child development and mental health in the Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The research aims to examine the relationship between coparenting quality and child development outcomes, with a specific focus on child mental health. A quantitative research design was employed, involving a sample of 150 parents or primary caregivers of children aged 5 to 18 years. The data was collected through questionnaires to assess coparenting dynamics, parenting styles, and child behavioural outcomes. The main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) cooperative coparenting relationships and positive parenting styles are crucial for promoting healthy child development and mental health outcomes, (ii) conflict in coparenting relationships is a significant concern, with a substantial proportion of participants reporting moderate to high conflict levels, and (iii) the coping mechanisms employed by parents and caregivers, such as talking to the child and encouraging physical activity, are effective in supporting child well-being. The study's findings have significant implications for practice and policy, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy coparenting relationships, positive parenting styles, and effective coping mechanisms to support child development and mental health. Key Words:Coparenting, Parenting Styles, Coping Mechanisms, Mental Health, Child Development