Nowadays we hear so many negative stories of families being torn apart with bitterness and anger after parents’ divorce. But adults have a responsibility towards their children — whether or not they choose to remain together.

Setting an excellent example for your children is the best way to teach them just about anything in life.

32-year-old Codie LaChelle McPhate’s parents divorced when she was just four, and both her mother and father now have new partners.

But when Codie’s biological dad came to see her in Austin, Texas, he did something that immediately made her reach for her camera phone.

With divorce rates on the rise, parents are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of doing their best to continue setting good examples for their children — despite the challenge of being a divorced couple.

Experts agree that co-parenting even among separated or divorced partners is highly beneficial for children — it helps them feel loved and recognize that their emotions matter.

According to Huffington Post, this also increases positive behavior among children, higher self-esteem, and confidence.

Codie’s father certainly seems to agree. Codie’s mom and dad consciously decided to get along for the sake of their children after they decided to split.