TAKE A BREAK
January is typically when many parents reflect on and evaluate the year past to start planning for the new one. For divorced or separated parents, this is also a good time to refine the details outlined in their parenting plan by considering what worked and what didn’t. A parenting agreement is a living document, and as your children grow older, you’ll need to update your plan to reflect their life stages and milestones better. Of course, every family situation is unique, so no single one- size-fits-all plan works for every household. But, just as with custody, the parenting plan should be based on the child’s best interests to maximize benefits for everyone involved. Here are three important benefits of an appropriate, updated custody agreement in the new year. PARENTS MINIMIZE ARGUMENTS. You and your ex-spouse are your child’s parents, but you are also individuals who may disagree on certain things. This is when a detailed parenting plan is beneficial. The document clearly defines with whom your child will spend holidays and birthdays, how times and days will be shared between households, and communication methods so no one blurs or crosses boundaries. CHILDREN GAIN STRUCTURE AND STABILITY. Regardless of age and whether their parents are divorced or not, children need a consistent and predictable structure. Both parents across both households should follow the same bedtimes, curfews, food restrictions, and other details regarding their child’s welfare. This eliminates the competition over who’s the “fun” parent and who isn’t. You must set aside your distaste for one another and stand as a united co- parenting front for your child’s sake. PARENTS HAVE GUIDANCE ON FLEXIBILITY. Unexpected events can sometimes derail previously set plans for anyone. When that happens, a thorough parenting plan allows flexibility for those circumstances. To avoid contention, be very specific in your plan about what constitutes an unexpected event, and be flexible for your child’s sake. Revisiting your parenting plan to make effective changes for your child and co-parent has many more benefits. Pacific Northwest Family Law is here to help if you need to update a child custody agreement. Please call us toll-free at (877) 738-0777 . YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS EVOLVE — YOUR PARENTING PLAN SHOULD, TOO Start the Year Right With a Unified Family Structure
SOLUTION:
hoops, or swimming together are all everyday activities you can do as a family to promote health and wellness benefits.
In your efforts to set and achieve your resolutions this year, why not make it a family affair? No matter the goals, working toward shared goals fosters a sense of accomplishment while strengthening your family bond. And with that, everybody wins.
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