Sometimes I work with clients who firmly believe that “I know what’s best for the children.” And then of course s/he and the other parent get into an argument over whose thoughts about “what’s best” will prevail.
I talk to them from my experience [not as a parent, but as a divorce professional], I refer them to mental health professionals. We tell them, sometimes to their chagrin, that what is BEST for their children is if the two of them work TOGETHER going forward. They won’t be married anymore, but they MUST still be partners.
But I don’t think any of us could say it any better than does the Man in Red from this episode of Highway to Heaven: