When parents get divorced, children benefit from regular sleepovers at the non-custodial parent’s house, according to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
In particular, non-custodial fathers learn better parenting skills when caring for a child overnight, and it eases the burden on mothers, who can endure additional stress due to being a single parenting.
In addition to sharing the workload, the academy indicated that quality time between fathers and children is mutually beneficial. Regular overnight stays can provide the foundation for healthier relationships with both parents as children grow up, AAP concluded.
AAP found tangible benefits of co-parenting with sleepovers, including better emotional health and school grades and fewer behavioral problems.
Although it's not always easy for both parents to remain involved in their children's lives when they don't live together, setting aside differences is best for the kids involved, according to AAP.
The findings were published online in the journal Psychology, Public Policy and Law.
