Unfortunately, almost 50% of American children will see their parents divorce or break up. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a negative experience forever. After all, kids can pick up on subtle emotions and when they see their parents are happier apart, it’ll have a positive impact on their lives.
One way to ensure that your kids have a healthy home life is to create a good co-parenting agreement.
Don’t know where to start? Here’s how to create a good co-parenting schedule that’ll accommodate everyone as best as possible.
Put Yourself in Your Kids’ Shoes
No matter what your relationship with your ex is like, the most important part of the custody arrangement is your kids. Think of everything that’s going on in their lives, and add on traveling between 2 houses. It’s exhausting, to say the least.
Try to minimize disruptions. For example, if your children go to a school near your ex’s house, then it may be best to give them custody on most weekdays.
Make Compromises
On a similar note, both you and your ex should make compromises. Adults lead busy lives, and it can be hard to fit a co-parenting schedule in.
Don’t make the schedule about yourself and/or getting revenge on your ex. Not only should you put yourself in your kids’ shoes, but also, your ex’s. If you’re kind and considerate, chances are, that effort will be reciprocated.
Don’t just automatically assume your ex hasn’t made any sacrifices or compromises. This kind of thinking is toxic and will only hinder co-parenting efforts.
Test Out Your Schedule
The best co-parenting schedule is one that’s been tested!
Once you’ve figured out a tentative schedule, try it out for a couple of weeks or a month. Get everyone’s input, including the kids. From there, you can make tweaks to the schedule and test it out again.
Seek a Lawyer’s Help
If you’re stuck and can’t come up with a custody schedule, then it might be time to enlist the help of a professional like thetexasdivorcelawyer.com.
Even if you and your ex have amicably come up with a co-parenting schedule, it’s still good to have it on paper. You might get along now, but who knows what could happen in the future. Having a legal custody agreement drawn up can be a lifesaver should things go south.
Create the Ideal Co-Parenting Schedule
It may not be easy, but it’s definitely possible to come up with a good co-parenting schedule. Of course, you’ll have to make some compromises, but so does your ex.
When you realize you’re on the same team and that both your ultimate goal is to create a healthy home environment for your children, then you’ll have a better time creating a parenting schedule that works for everyone. And if needed, a lawyer can help the process along quicker.
To learn more about sharing custody and other divorce matters, browse our blog page.
