Mothers' experiences of cooperative coparenting with their coresident partners in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

This pilot study uses focus groups in a large New Zealand city to provide a preliminary view of mothers’ lived experiences of coparenting. The ten mothers with coresident partners and young children revealed their perception of cooperative parenting partnerships in two ways. First, even though the division of childcare was unequal, mothers expected partners to be responsive to their needs by providing backup and giving them an opportunity to switch off. Second, mothers felt that complementary parenting styles were successful when they and their partners shared values and managed any conflict which arose. This pilot study provides a promising beginning for further cross-national research into New Zealand coparenting.