Parenting Plan Schedules
Most parents spend a great deal of time working out the child custody and visitation schedule for their parenting plan. The parenting plan schedule directly affects how often each parent sees the child, so both parents have a very vested interest in how the schedule turns out. Here are some suggestions when setting up this crucial document.
Try to work with the other parent. Yes, we know. This can seem impossible. Even in the best situations, it is still difficult to sit down with the other parent and rationally explore options for when each of you will see the children. Add to the mix all of the emotions that are still brewing from the divorce, and it can turn into a disaster. However, when parents are able to work out something together rather than leaving it to the court, they are much happier with the schedule. This means that both parents are more likely to follow the schedule. So, the child has a more stable environment and can adjust better to the new situation. Really, the child benefits from this, so parents should do everything in their power to make it happen.
Appropriately include your child. Now, obviously if you child is three years old, you are not going to ask her where she wants to live. However, if your child is sixteen years old, he may have a strong preference that you should listen to. As your children get older, they can offer helpful suggestions for working out the schedule. This can be good, especially as children become more and more involved in activities and they need to have visitation that works around it. For younger children, it is best to set up the best arrangement you have and see how they react to it. If they seem to have a difficult time adjusting every time they come home, you should talk about the schedule with them and appropriately ask if there is something that would make it better for them.
Work from a parenting plan schedule template. Custody X Change offers a great parenting plan template that allows parents to make a parenting schedule. This can be invaluable because a mother and father can set up any type of schedule that works for their situation. A lot of templates simply offer pre-determined solutions that aren’t able to be customized for a situation. With Custody X Change, parents can look at different schedule options and easily make changes to improve the schedule.
Create a temporary schedule until you feel ready to make the permanent schedule. If you have recently separated or divorced, you may not be ready to make a schedule that will last forever. Instead of focusing on a permanent schedule, make a temporary parenting schedule to last for six months or so. This should give you some time to figure out the different issues and observe how your child handles visitation. This can give you valuable insight into the best way to make the permanent schedule. And, it takes the immediate pressure off so you don’t rush into anything.
