Children know that their parents love and care for them, especially when their parents are just a hop, skip and a jump away from them.
But what happens when the parents are divorced and the children no longer have both parents close by? Divorce means change. One parent has a new house. The rules have changed for the entire family.
The following are some helpful hints to keep close to your children, even though you are no longer a hop, skip and a jump away from them:
- Keep your children informed – tell them when you will see them, what you’re all going to do together, who will pick them up at school
- Get a calendar and mark down your visits, activities, etc. so they can see them at a glance
- Try to be flexible with your schedule and theirs
- Always communicate and be open with not only them, but their other parent
- Be dependable – don’t cancel dates with your children unless absolutely necessary – follow through with any and all promises you make to them
- Don’t put your children in-between you and your ex. Don’t ask them to deliver messages for you.
- Keep to the schedule you and your ex have made – don’t schedule activities for your children during the other parent’s time
- Don’t talk badly about your ex to your children or where they can hear you talking to another person
- Be prepared for possible changes in your children’s needs or your parenting plan
It is important to keep a good relationship with your ex so things will go smoothly for your children. Try and get along; maybe both of you can be present at family events or school activities.
Your situation may be hard at first, but it does get easier as time goes by.
If you and your ex-spouse cannot agree to a parenting plan, contact the family law offices of Amy M. Montes, located in Orange County. Amy has helped many families find a schedule and develop a parenting plan that balances parental rights with the best interests of your children.
