The development of the coparenting relationship over the transition to parenthood

Abstract This study investigated the development of the coparenting relationship upon its initiation, after the transition to parenthood. The coparenting experiences and interactions of 101 married couples were assessed to evaluate the validity of the coparenting construct and to identify individual differences in trajectories of coparenting experiences. Five major conclusions emerged. First, the coparenting and the marriage are related but differentiated dimensions of the couple relationship, even in early infancy. Second, on average, coparenting experiences are positive and stable over the first six months of parenthood, but fathers are significantly more satisfied with coparenting than are mothers. Third, the pre‐birth marital relationship, and especially fathers' positive marital interactions, are important indicators of whether both parents will feel supported and validated in coparenting. Fourth, change in post‐birth marital experiences are inversely related to change in coparenting experiences, suggesting that one aspect of the couple relationship may be maintained at the expense of the other aspect. Fifth, other factors that change over time, particularly violated expectations for the division of childcare, predict the ways in which coparenting experiences develop. In addition, fathers reported better coparenting experiences when infants were perceived as having easier temperaments. In general, the development of coparenting appears to take different paths for mothers and fathers.