Co-parenting comes with its own set of unique challenges, but those challenges are far from insurmountable, so long as you and your co- parent make a plan together. While the specifics of each co-parenting situation vary from family to family, anyone involved in co-parenting could benefit from following three general steps. Put your children’s needs first. While it might be tempting to put the best outcome for yourself first when you’re separating from an ex, the needs of your kids must come first. Where they live could affect them physically and emotionally. Which parent lives in their school attendance area? Will their age affect which parent they might spend more time with? Any good parenting plan starts by centering every question and answer on the well-being of your children. Create a plan that is specific yet flexible. Make sure you, your co-parent, and your kids know the schedule. Many parents opt for a 50/50 time split of some sort, rotating guardianship week to week, or maybe doing two days with one parent, two days 3 Steps to Making the Best Possible Parenting Plan
with the other, three days with the first, and then switching. At the same time, though, both parents should acknowledge that sometimes life happens, despite everyone following the plan. It’s important for all involved, especially the children, to realize that sometimes plans can shift and change unexpectedly. Make a communication plan specifically. Don’t wait to figure out how to best communicate updates about your kids’ and your schedules. Miscommunication is a prime breeding ground for arguments, so it’s best to make a plan for how you’ll stay in touch. Whether through a phone call, a text message, or a co- parenting app (you can choose from several), make sure that you, your co-parent, and your kids are all on the same page. All these steps and more can be discussed when you’re first laying out your separation agreement. For any questions on other considerations you should be making for the health of your children and your family, talk to our experienced legal team at the Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller at 757.517.2942.
OKTOBERFEST SOFTPRETZELS
SUDOKU
Inspired by Tasty.co
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 cups warm water • 1 tbsp salt • 1 tbsp sugar • 1 packet active dry yeast • 4 1/2 cups flour
• 3 tbsp oil, divided • 2/3 cup baking soda • 2 eggs, beaten • Coarse salt, for sprinkling
DIRECTIONS
1. In a bowl, combine water, salt, and sugar. Add yeast and let rest for 5 minutes. Add flour and 2 tbsp oil, then mix thoroughly into a dough. 2. Remove the dough from the bowl. Coat bowl with remaining oil, then return the dough, cover with plastic wrap, and set it aside in a warm place for 1 hour. 3. Preheat oven to 450 F. 4. Cut dough into 8 pieces. Roll them into thin ropes, then twist ropes into pretzel shapes. 5. In a large pot, boil water. Add baking soda, then boil each pretzel for 1 minute, flipping halfway through. 6. Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet. Brush them with egg and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10–15 minutes. Enjoy!
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