A detailed parenting plan provides predictability in the parenting schedule for both the parents and their child. It allows the parents to make plans for their child and implement a regular and consistent parenting routine for him/her. The child who knows which parent he/she will be with and what or she will be doing feels more secure, stable, and self-confident than a child who is left constantly worrying and wondering where he/she will go and what he/she will be doing. 


Thus, a routine reduces the stress in both the parent and the child, which makes for peace of mind for both. Parents who are not angry with the other parent are better parents.

Both parents should keep a journal in which they track visitation and parenting as well as other facets of divorced parenting. A record, not only of time spent with the child but also expenses and activities, can be invaluable in the event of a custody dispute. In its simplest form, the record should document who had the child, when, and for how long.

In particular, tracking visitation and parenting time can become important when one parent may wish to claim a certain number of overnight visits.

There are also computerized programs available to help parents track visitation and parenting.