What Ryan Lochte's Ex Kayla Rae Reid Says Instead of 'Co-Parenting'

August 15, 2026 - 03:50

Kayla Rae Reid, the former fiancee of Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, recently opened up about why she avoids using the word "co-parenting" when describing her relationship with her ex. In a candid conversation, Reid explained that the term carries a weight it often doesn't deserve in her situation.

"Co-parenting requires two people to parent with consideration and respect," she said. "That's not always what happens in reality." Reid, who shares a young son with Lochte, clarified that she prefers to call it "parallel parenting" instead. That term, she says, better reflects the way they actually operate: two separate lives, each doing their own thing with the child, without much overlap or joint decision-making.

Reid's comments come after years of public ups and downs with Lochte, including his infamous 2016 Rio Olympics scandal and their subsequent split. She has been open before about the challenges of raising a child with someone whose life is constantly in the spotlight. But this time, she wanted to set the record straight on language.

"People hear 'co-parenting' and they picture two people sitting down together, making plans, being friendly," she said. "That's a beautiful idea. But it's not always the reality. And I think it's okay to say that." Reid emphasized that her priority is their son's well-being, and that she has found a way to make things work without pretending the dynamic is something it is not.

Her honesty struck a chord with many who have been through similar situations. The term "parallel parenting" has been gaining traction in recent years, especially among divorced or separated parents who find traditional co-parenting unrealistic. Reid's willingness to speak plainly about it offers a refreshing perspective on a topic that is often wrapped in guilt and expectation.