What Goes Into Making an Effective Parenting Plan?
No two families are exactly alike, so it only makes sense that there is no one right way to create a parenting plan. What works for one family might not work for another, and what works today might not work tomorrow. That’s why it’s so important to be flexible and adaptable when creating or revising your parenting plan.
It can also be a daunting task to manage your co-parent relationship, so it’s crucial to have a parenting plan ready before any conflict arises. Our team of Calgary & Edmonton divorce experts know just how vital it is to make a solid parenting plan, and with our help, you can put together a plan that will make co-parenting more manageable and help reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Why a Parenting Plan Is Crucial
A well-designed parenting plan will do much more than provide a day-to-day schedule. It should also offer children security and consistency. Procedures and expectations for both parents should be laid out in the agreement so that there is a go-to roadmap for successfully raising the kids. By mapping out the details of parenting with your ex, you can significantly reduce the chances of any conflict that takes place in front of your children. Remember, your children are usually aware when tension is high between parents, and any conflict can cause unnecessary stress in their lives. So if you can avoid any disputes in front of them, you’ll be setting a good example and helping them through an already difficult time.
Where Do You Begin?
The first step in creating a parenting plan is to identify how you and your ex-partner will communicate with each other concerning the children. If you have an amicable relationship and can make decisions based on what’s best for the children, then it would be beneficial to try making the plan on your own.
If you often disagree with your ex-partner about the smaller details of raising your children, mediation may be a beneficial solution for you. A mediator can provide both parties with helpful parenting strategies and ideas to make the situation work better for everyone involved. In addition, a mediator can help keep communication open and productive while always keeping the child’s best interests in mind.
If you and the other parent cannot have a constructive conversation about parenting, you may find relief from arbitration or going to court. You can also formalize the plan with a binding agreement.
Day-to-Day Details of a Parenting Plan
To help children feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents, they should follow a particular routine. The day-to-day parenting plan will vary depending on factors such as the age of the kid, the parents’ employment obligations, etc. Generally speaking, consistent eating, sleeping, and visiting schedules help create a much-needed routine for young children. This ensures that the child knows what to expect and can feel comfortable in each home.
When children get older and are of school age, they can usually handle being away from a parent for longer periods of time, but will still benefit from having a set routine. Children become more dependent on their friends at this age and should be encouraged to develop relationships outside of the family.
As they develop into teenagers, they will naturally want to spend more time with their friends rather than just their family. Therefore, they may favour spending more time at one parent’s house if it is closer to their peers. Parents need to accommodate this by being flexible with things like sleepovers and after-school activities.
How to Talk To Your Kids About The Parenting Plan
If your children are old enough and you think they can handle it, you may want to include them in the decision-making process for creating a parenting plan. Parents should figure out how to have this conversation together and might even want to sit down with their kids at the same time to talk about different choices and listen to what they have to say.
It’s common for teenagers to have strong opinions about parenting arrangements, but it’s important to remember that the final say rests with the parents. Additionally, keep in mind that toddlers and teenagers require different approaches when it comes to parenting, so accept that your plan will change as your children grow older.
Speak With A Parenting Plan Expert Today
If you’re considering a divorce or are in the process of one, and need help creating a parenting plan, give us a call today! We offer a variety of services to help make the process easier for you.
