Developing a good co-parenting plan is important for any divorcing couple with kids. At the same time, you also have to consider what kind of schedule you can make with said plan. A co-parenting schedule might feel like another hurdle. However, considering a few factors can help you get it right…
Co-Parenting Schedule
Consider your kids
When you’re making a co-parenting schedule, it’s easy to lose sight of who this schedule is for. After all, you and your ex are going to mainly be comparing your individual schedules when making your co-parenting one. That means you can forget what impact it might have on your kids.
For instance, maybe your plan seems to work for you and your ex. But, will it require your kids to constantly move between your homes? If so, this can have some negative effects on your kids and their day-to-day lives. Instead, it might be better to look for some consistency.
Don’t use it for revenge
Another key thing about your co-parenting schedule is to keep it fair. You shouldn’t want to use it for revenge. Some parents might try to gain an unfair balance and limit how many days the other parent can see the kids. Or, they might try to claim they should be the ones to have birthdays and holidays, in order to exclude the other parent.
Trying to do this will have many negative consequences. For starters, it’ll hurt your kids relationship with their other parent. Furthermore, it’ll also make them resent you once they grow up and see how unfair it was. That’s why you and your ex both have to come together and create a fair schedule.
Be willing to make changes
You may not get your co-parenting schedule right the first time – and that’s okay! In fact, it’s pretty common to potentially run into issues when you actually begin to implement your schedule. The important thing is that you have to also be willing to make changes as needed.
It may take some trial and error, but eventually you and your ex will be able to make a schedule which works for both you and your kids. Once you have a basic schedule down, then it also becomes easier for everyone to settle into a routine. You’ll also be able to plan ahead more for days where you might need your ex to watch the kids for you.