Co-parents with joint custody should create a parenting plan that meets their child’s needs. A schedule that stresses the child and frequently results in co-parents being late for transitions or other commitments can be considered ineffective.
Here are four things to consider to create an effective custody schedule:
1. Your child’s age
If your child is younger, they can substantially benefit from frequent contact with both parents. If your child is older a teenager, they can probably handle a schedule with less frequent transitions, but you’ll also need to consider what works with their social lives and activities.
2. Your child’s temperament
Children have different behavioral styles and emotional responses to things that occur around them. It’s crucial to understand your child’s temperament and factor it in when creating a parenting plan.
A child who withdraws from social interactions and often becomes overwhelmed with change needs a different schedule from one who easily adjusts to new situations.
3. Your child’s daily schedule
If you have a school-going child, create a custody schedule that does not stress them. If you wish to have transitions on school days, be specific about how they will be handled. For example, you can use the school as an exchange location at the end of the school day. If your child is in daycare, you should also ensure their routine is not disrupted.
4. Your work schedules
You and your co-parent should create a schedule that allows both of you to spend quality time with the child. You don’t want a schedule that will lead to constant requests for schedule changes.
Different custody schedules exist. You and your co-parent can create a unique, customized one that works in your case. Learn more to have a custody schedule that’s in your child’s best interests.