You and your soon-to-be-former spouse had a few arguments leading up to your divorce, and you want to minimize ongoing conflict for your children’s sake. Have you considered using your parenting plan to keep arguments to a minimum?
Psychology Today offers tips for creating a protective parenting plan. Learn how to protect your shared children’s mental and emotional health post-divorce.
Parenting schedule
Rather than have a loose schedule for spending time with your kids, create a predictable schedule for your parenting plan. That way, you and the other parent know when you go “on duty” and “off duty.” This level of stability benefits young children as much as it does parents.
While creating your parenting schedule, consider your children’s ages and needs and your schedule, too. The goal is to find a balance that benefits your children the most.
Nesting schedule
During the divorce, you and your current partner may nest, which means living in the same house together with your kids. A nesting schedule works much like a parenting schedule, but you account for things like chores and household expenses and bills.
Conflict anticipation
Rather than wait to address conflict when it arises, include conflict resolution strategies in your parenting plan. You know which parenting issues get you and the other parent riled up. Note those roadblocks along with strategies to explore. You may also want to include agreements in the parenting plan. That way, you have one less decision to make and a solution to explore. Change the agreements if the terms no longer work, but it makes sense that you both agree on the changes.
A parenting plan helps you keep the focus on your children and their well-being post-divorce. With a single document, you could set your kids up for success and happiness.