Children & Divorce: Parenting Plans:
Introduction
It is important for a family going through a divorce to design a parenting plan to insure a focused family environment. A well designed plan lessens disagreements, decreases conflict, and helps the entire family understand and accept the future.
A parenting plan decreases conflict between ex-spouses, and increases the chances that the children will grow up in a stable environment. It also encourages the parents to work together amicably. Most divorced parents come to realize that with a little consistency comes a future of predictability.
Parenting Plans
When children are growing up it is important that they spend time with both parents. With a well thought out and designed parenting plan this is possible. It will give the parents an opportunity to participate in the children's education, finances, and any health care they may need. The basics of a good parenting plan are listed below:
- When creating a parenting plan it is important that the parents stick to the schedule, no matter how difficult it may be for either parent.This will give the child some sense of trust.
- The younger the children are, the better it is for the schedule be predictable. Parents must be aware that they need to work together in order to create a harmonious environment.
- It is important for the parents to take into consideration the age of the children when designing the plan.
- A parent must be aware of the other parent's schedule and work out a realistic plan that can be followed by both of them. This will keep conflicts to a minimum.
Negotiated Parenting Arrangements
The parents of children who are going through a divorce must negotiate with each other in order to create a sound environment for the children. Parents must understand the needs of the children, and must take into consideration that what they are doing is in the best interests of the children. The children are going through an enormous amount of change in a divorce situation, so is important that the parents work together and not against each other when dealing with the parental plan. It is also important to try to keep court involvement at a minimum when dealing with certain parenting issues. Remember that the courts don't know your children. Most of the time the parents are left with the responsibility of making arrangements for full custody.
Parenting Custody and Arrangements
Parents are obligated to provide for the children educationally, medically, safety, etc.. If the custody is joint, as the result of the divorce, then the parents must make arrangements for the new living accomodations for the children. Both parents are obligated to attempt to provide the same needs the children would have in an intact family environment.
The most common custody in the courts is either sole or shared custody. In a sole custody arrangement, only one parent physically cares for the children, while the other parent is granted visitation. In a shared custody arrangement, both parents are able to spend significant time with the children.
|
Return to Children & Divorce Informational Section
|
Divorce Tip: #79 Keep a journal that allows you to express your emotions. Releasing your thoughts on paper can do wonders for the healing process.
Sponsored by: Dadsdivorce.com Calendar
|
Copyright© 1996-2008. All rights reserved by Divorce Source, Inc.
Comments & Suggestions? or Recommend This Page to a Friend!
Custody for Fathers:
Parent/Child Psychological Evaluation: Is your child OK? Find out and save your child from the pain of divorce. This evaluation will give you the confidence and knowledge you need! Click here to learn more.
