One of the most crucial, yet often contentious, subjects that divorcing couples must address is a parenting plan for their minor children. Frequently, parents believe that their options are limited to “conventional” or familiar arrangements; such as the children being with the non-residential parent on alternate weekends and one or two dinners during the week. However there exists a myriad of options available to parents based upon each family’s unique circumstances Here are a few factors to consider:
School Districts
For parents with school age children, parenting plans are easier if both parents live in the same school district. In such cases, children can spend multiple consecutive days or even alternating full weeks with each parent without disrupting their school schedules or necessitating alternative transportation that can be burdensome on both the parents and the children.
Geographic Location
The distance between both parents’ homes can pose additional challenges in crafting a parenting plan. If one parent lives a significant distance from the other parent, either by choice or due to his or her work, the options for the parenting plans can become more limited. A one hour drive time between the two homes can become difficult if one expects to make that drive multiple times every week.
Working Parents
Developing a parenting plan for children that have two working parents requires additional planning. Specifically, parents must provide for child care during the children’s vacation times from school (summer and holidays). Additionally, childcare must be arranged for after school hours and for days that the child might be home sick.
Age
Just as children outgrow their clothes, they will outgrow their early parenting plans. Plans suitable for an infant or toddler, will not necessarily work for a grade school child and certainly not for teenagers. As parents develop their parenting plans, they should do so with the understanding that parenting plans will need to be revisited and amended as the children age. Teenagers, and even “tweens” today are often involved in sports or activities after school and on weekends that will require flexibility in the parenting plan. Any parent with a teenager also knows that the child who followed them around like a shadow at age five very often would rather spend time with their friends at age fifteen. Parents would be wise to give their teenage children some agency in the decision making process and involve them in modifying the parenting plan.
In conclusion, crafting a parenting plan requires careful consideration of various factors unique to each family. By acknowledging these factors and remaining flexible, parents can create a plan that best serves the needs of their children as they navigate the challenges of divorce and co-parenting.
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