When you get a divorce but have children, your children don’t get a choice. They are going to end up dividing time between homes and will have to adapt.
When you and the other parent start working on a parenting plan, it is important that the plan is fair. It should be fair not only to you and your ex. It should also be fair to your children.
Being fair when creating a parenting plan
When people think about being fair with a parenting plan, they probably imagine splitting time equally. That’s not necessarily what makes a good parenting plan fair, though.
Quality time over quantity of time is one thing to think about. For example, a parent who has the children Monday through Friday may see them every day, but they only have a few hours after work to spend with their kids. On the other hand, a parent who sees them on their days off won’t have to work and will have more quality time to spend with the kids. When you create a parenting plan, try to keep in mind when each parent works and create times when they can solely focus on their children without work obligations.
Another thing to consider is creating a parenting plan that allows you and your ex to be present during certain activities. For example, if your child is a dancer, you should set up a plan that gives both of you an opportunity to come to recitals or events, even if it’s not your day for custody.
Remember your children’s plans when you create a schedule
Think about your children’s activities and opportunities when you set up your parenting plan. You don’t want to stick one parent with the responsibility of taking your child to every event or activity. At the same time, you also don’t want to have your child going back and forth between homes so much that they can’t relax.
As you can see, being fair with a parenting plan takes much consideration. Think it through, and you’ll be able to come up with a plan that works for everyone involved.