Once you and your co-parent have established your parenting time schedule, your child should understand it. Doing this as soon as possible helps them know what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and confusion.
Here are four tips for explaining the parenting time schedule.
Reassure them of your love
When you sit down with your child, if possible with both of you present, you need to reassure them of your love. Let them know this plan allows them to spend quality time with each parent and that they belong in both homes.
Keep it simple
Use simple language when discussing parenting time with your child, especially if they are younger. Use words that clearly explain their daily life and how exchanges will be done. This helps them follow the conversation and ask questions.
Use visuals
A color-coded calendar shows your child which days they will be in each home. Pick a color for your home and another one for the other parent’s home. Then, mark the days with the different colors. You can do two weeks together and ask them to do one week by themselves as an exercise.
Moreover, you can use stickers or magnets for special events, such as exchange days, extracurricular activities, movie nights, birthdays, Christmas and so on. Hanging a physical color-coded calendar on the refrigerator or on a wall in the child’s bedroom in both homes ensures they can easily track days.
Confirm that they can access both parents
Your child may be thinking they can’t contact their other parent when they are with you and vice versa. Thus, make sure that they know they can communicate with either parent regardless of which home they’re in.
A child who is about to start moving between two homes needs to understand their expected routines. Having experienced legal guidance can help you learn about other ways to protect your child’s interests.