Finding a good means to the end of your custody battle can be pretty sweet, and a bit sad. Maybe you lost out on a few of those weekends and holidays you were hoping for. Therefore, you’re wondering how exactly to be a good parent when your time is being cut short. No matter the route you were seeking, it’s important to understand that child custody agreements do not limit your involvement. Sure, they limit your alone time, but that’s not to say that you can’t be an active part in the day to day. So, we’re going to help you remember that, and the illusion behind it all.

Child Custody Agreements: Being Part of the Day-to-Day… No Matter What

The first thing you have to understand is that a child custody agreement is merely that. It’s an agreement that you must honor, which honors the best interest of your child. However, just because you don’t have primary custody— doesn’t mean you can’t be involved. You might feel left out, or slighted, and that’a understandable. However, there are plenty of ways to stay involved. Especially as you craft that agreement. What you might not realize, is that taking time to craft the agreement in ways that benefit your child— can be quite productive!

You can take the best of both worlds, and go from there

Who lives in the best school district? Who’s closer to Wednesday swim practice? Who wants to be more involved in after-school extra curriculars? Who has the lighter work schedule? If you wait before you go to court, you might be able to come up with an agreement that gives you both a good bit of time, but benefits the child greatly. Understanding this, and collaborating on it, could give you both more time and more convenience. But, if you have already gone to court— you might be past this point. Which brings me to my next point:

Custody agreements are a formality

An agreement is just that. It’s set in place for when it comes dow to it. But, if both of you can collaborate a bit, and be good co-parents, you can bend it where need be. The agreement can merely be a baseline and a jumping off point. Give and take with each other. Just because you don’t have weekday nights, doesn’t mean you can’t be part of the day-to-day if you want to. Obviously, every co-parenting situation is different. However, if you can collaborate— child custody agreements can really becomes something you merely fall back on.

If you can make co-parenting the priority, and relax, you can both benefit greatly

As we said, take the best of both worlds! Be collaborative with each other. Some couples might have trouble coming together, but, your child should be the main priority. Meaning, that if you can put feelings aside and look at the best interest of the child— both parents might come out a little bit more at ease.