A parenting plan can help children cope with their parent’s divorce in many ways.
A good parenting plan, one in which parents stick to helps children learn to trust their parents as well as other adults. There are many emotions that children of different ages go through when parents divorce. Identifying them and getting a plan into motion early on is very important.
The biggest mistake for many parents when it comes to developing a workable parenting plan is that there is too much emotion involved. A parenting plan needs to be written with logic instead of emotions. This way, the parenting plan can be referred to when things get tough for either parent. A parenting plan can be good for any length of time as long as it continues to fit the objectives of what you both wish to accomplish with your children.
A parenting plan needs to cover all the elements of issues that both parents think are important. You need to be willing to do what is in the best interest of the children instead of holding out for what each of you may want. Too many parenting plans never get off the ground because each parent is unable to agree on anything. They are too busy trying to control the situation or to even get revenge on the other parent to really focus on the children.
If that is the case you may need to work with a certified divorce coach, or get a mediator involved to help craft your parenting plan.
Regular evaluations of the parenting plan needs to take place. This is because as the children get older new issues will come into play. Listen to the arguments your children make when it comes to the parenting plan as well, make them part of the process.
Yet when it comes time to sit down and go over the information it needs to be just the two parents involved. Sometimes the new spouses or significant others of either parent are also invited to join in. This depends on the relationships that all involved have with the children though.
There will also be changes to the parent’s schedule due to work and other commitments. Don’t have the attitude that it isn’t your problem as that outlook will just ultimately hurt your children. Try to understand that the other parent is doing all they can to have time with the children. While you may not enjoy that they have to go with them, it is very important for your children to forge a quality relationship with both of you.
Once a new parenting plan has been determined, the children can be told of what will take place by both parents. This way they won’t feel like one parent defeated what they wanted to see put into place. When both parents can show a united front, it also gives the parenting plan more credibility.
For children, a solid parenting plan helps to relieve their anxiety. They know what they can expect from both of their parents. They understand that while their parents won’t be together, they will be well cared for. They aren’t going to be worried about what the future has in store for them. They will also love the fact that they get to spend quality time with both of their parents.
In addition to letting everyone know what can be expected, a parenting plan can cut down on the amount of conflict that takes place between the two parents. All of the children will benefit from this arrangement as well. It can certainly help to reduce the negative aspects of a divorce for the entire family.
[…] 3. Keep both parents involved. […]