Co-parenting: Building a family without a romantic relationship
For many people, the traditional idea of starting a family begins with a romantic relationship. But it doesn't have to.
Some people know they want to become a parent but don't want, or aren't able, to base that journey on finding a romantic partner. Instead, they are looking for someone who shares their hopes for family life and is willing to become a parent alongside them.
Finding the right person
Co-parenting on Rainbow is about finding a potential parent to share the journey with, rather than finding a romantic partner.
Having a child and raising a child together involves some of the biggest decisions two people can make. So while romantic compatibility might not be part of the relationship, shared values, expectations and approaches to parenting are hugely important.
Rainbow offers a dedicated space for people who are considering the co-parent route to explore co-parenting. That may mean connecting with others to learn from their experiences, or discovering and connecting with potential co-parenting matches.
Importantly, there is no expectation that a match has to become a co-parenting arrangement.
Connection before commitment
Finding someone who also wants to become a parent is only the beginning.
A potential co-parenting relationship can involve conversations about
- Parenting values
- Involvement in a child's life
- Where you might live
- Finances
- Education
- Wider family relationships
- What each person hopes family life will look like.
Those aren't conversations that need to be rushed.
Rainbow is built around the idea of connection before commitment. You can talk privately, take time to get to know someone and explore whether your expectations genuinely align.
How you become co-parents is another decision
Depending on the people involved and their circumstances, becoming co-parents could involve conceiving together, fertility treatment, egg or sperm donation, or surrogacy.
That means you don't necessarily need to have every answer before you join Rainbow. You may simply know that you want to become a parent and that you want to find someone with whom you can build a family in a way that works for both of you.
Read more about what the Rainbow app offers those starting their co-parenting journey.
