Deciding where a child will go and when can be a difficult goal to accomplish following divorce. While a co-parenting plan may be challenging, it is highly beneficial for children in Norfolk County because it gives the child the opportunity to develop solid, but separate relationships with each one of their parents, enhances the quality of these relationships and may even prevent conflict between the parents of the child.
Coming up with a co-parenting plan that benefits the child
However, in order for co-parenting to be beneficial, it must adhere to the needs of each child. Children of different ages each need something different and their co-parenting plan must address these particular requirements. For example, for a parent to maintain a close relationship with their child that is between the ages of 24 months to 36 months, the plan may include:
Three time periods of four to six hours a week for the parent and child to spend time together.
One longer weekend time period spent together which may include an overnight stay.
Two four to six hour periods during the week and two overnight periods.
As a child gets older, for example between the ages of six to nine, parents can be more creative when developing a c0-parenting plan. This is because school age children are typically more independent and may be more secure with the idea of living in two separate residences.
A c0-parenting plan for a child in this age group may include three nights in a row spent at one parent’s home one week and then one overnight stay the next or one overnight stay one week and then four overnight days the next. Although the parenting plan may vary depending on the needs of the child and their school and extra-curricular activity schedules, children should not transition between households more than two times per week at this age.
Making the arrangement work
Although parents may come up with a co-parenting plan that looks good on paper, it cannot be beneficial for the parents or the children unless it is actively enforced. Parents should do their best not to be late to exchanges and adhere to the set-forth schedule unless an emergency arrives. If problems do arise with the arrangement, try and stay mindful about the bigger picture and keep in mind what benefits your child instead of what is best for you.
