ChartingtheFuture What to Consider When Making a Parenting Plan
Developing a custody agreement and parenting plan can be the most emotional part of a divorce. We all love our children and want as much time with them as possible, so the idea of not living with them 365 days a year can be hard to swallow. But in almost all cases, custody is split, and it’s best if you and your ex can come to an agreement together. That’s where parenting plans come in. A parenting plan documents how often you’ll see the kids, plus the logistical details. Will one parent have the kids during the week and another on the weekend? Will you trade off every other week? There are many other options, not to mention more questions. How will you handle pickups and drop-offs? Who gets the kids on different holidays? What if one of you travels for work?
everyone, and it will take time for kids to get used to living in multiple homes. Think about what will make this transition easiest for your child. If they’re old enough, ask them. Just proceed with caution because young children may tell you what they think you want to hear. Next, think about what’s best for the parents in ways that won’t interfere with what’s best for the child. Work schedules, where you live, proximity to the school, and more practical considerations will affect your plan. Some people are tempted to use the parenting plan as an opportunity to “get back” at their ex. Avoid that impulse. You’ll have to co-parent with your ex for many years, and vengeance isn’t putting your child’s needs first. Finally, remember you’re both human. It’s easy to forget in the middle of a divorce, but nothing is perfect, and things will go wrong. An emergency change or late drop-off doesn’t necessarily mean your ex is out to get you. Extend the same grace to them that you would for any other parent for one-off issues. Consider getting an attorney involved only if the problems become chronic or egregious. They’ll help ensure your plan is enforced and your schedule regains some predictability.
When considering all of these questions, parents should always put the needs of their children first. Divorce is a big adjustment for
Amber, Leesha, Sarina, Chris, Jenny, Rosalie, Kyla, and photographer Ashley in person at a BLF team meeting
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers
Inspired by RecipeRunner.com
Summer is here, and you know what that means: It’s time to break out the barbecue and meat skewers!
Ingredients For the Marinade •
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Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp soy sauce
3/4 tsp smoked paprika
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• 1/2 tsp salt For the Skewers •
2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp honey
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Directions
1.
In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients.
2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides! 561-810-0170 • 3
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