Divorce puts your child in a tough situation. Not only do they have to go through the pain of the separation, but they will likely worry about how their relationship with you and the other parent will turn out after the divorce’s finalization.
However, you can prevent this by assuring your child that the divorce does not necessarily have to affect their relationship with you or the other parent negatively. One way is to allow them to express their wishes on how they want the parenting time to be scheduled.
Make them feel that they are part of the process
Allowing your child to share their preferences regarding the parenting schedule will validate their emotions and make them feel they are part of the process. While divorce primarily involves you and your spouse, your child makes up a significant portion of the issues you would have to address during the process. Hence, it is essential to always consider them when making divorce decisions.
Understand their needs on a personal level
Though parents generally decide what is best for their children, they would not know for sure until they understand their children’s needs, especially emotionally. Knowing what schedule your child would be comfortable with would make the parenting time planning easier for you and the other parent.
Uncertainty is normal
Courts encourage parents to determine the details of their parenting plan because they can actively address any issues that would come up from the schedule. Nonetheless, it is common for any parent to doubt whether working on the parenting plan with their ex is a good idea.
If you have concerns about whether you are on the right path with your parenting time plan, seeking advice from an experienced legal representative can help you explore your best option.