Initial Steps for Setting up a Shared Parenting Schedule
If you've found yourself newly divorced or separated, chances are that your life has been anything but easy. If you have children with your ex-partner, you've likely realized that your kid's post-separated life could potentially be difficult as well. To establish a routine, many parents start by creating shared parenting schedules. Once setup, the schedule can help reinforce the daily routine of your children so they don't get caught up in a post-divorce game of back and forth between parents.
One of the first things you'll need to think about is the everyday, or regular routine of your child. This is the bulk of your child's time. If they are school age, chance are they will be in school most of the day. Likewise, the everyday portion of the schedule also includes the location where the child resides most evenings during the week.
In addition to the everyday routine, you also need to start thinking about holiday and vacation time. This is the time outside of the regular schedule, for instance holidays and summer vacations. You and the other parent need to come to an agreement on how holiday's and vacation time will be split up.
Lastly, you need to think about the guidelines of the parenting calendar as well. If both parties agree to the terms of the schedule, what happens if one parent deviates from the schedule. Likewise, how is transit time handles between visits?If one parent is granted 4 hours with the child on Wednesdays, but lives 40minutes away, how does the time in transit factor into the amount of time they get to spend with the child. Or, what is the procedure if inclement weather impacts the scheduled time with a parent?
All of these things and more need to be thought about in the initial stages of creating a parenting schedule. By doing so, you'll ensure that your child will remain the focus in your life.