Both of my parents taught me a great deal about parenting.  But today let’s focus on mothers.  Historically, mothers have been viewed, or perhaps romanticized, as the nurturing parent.  Fathers were the bread-winners, the providers. Today most families have two working parents and parenting roles have both changed and blurred.  Parenting has  become more collaborative, with both parents playing an active role in raising the children.  Mom may be bringing home the bacon while dad is changing diapers.  Dad may be cooking dinner while mom is doing 

Joint custody can mean different things in different situations. If the parties share joint legal custody, it may mean that they share the decision-making authority for decisions affecting the children. Sharing joint physical custody means that the children divide their time with the parents in something that approaches equal time with each parent. Why is joint custody good? Numerous studies have shown that children in joint custody arrangements develop better family relationships, do better in school, have higher self-esteem and exhibit fewer behavioral and developmental