Parents in Georgia who are no longer together should always work to make things easy for their children. One of the best ways to do that is to create an optimum co-parenting plan.
What is a co-parenting plan?
A co-parenting plan is a document that covers how the parents will continue to raise their children after a divorce or separation. Co-parenting plans are created with the child’s best interests in mind. They determine how the child will spend time with each parent while taking their schedule into consideration.
How can a co-parenting plan be successful?
Having a successful co-parenting plan is important for the sake of your children. One of the main factors that determine the success of your plan is that you and your ex have good, open lines of communication. You should know how to talk about your kids in a rational, calm and constructive manner. This means you should always be respectful of one another.
Always put your children first when creating a co-parenting plan. The point of the plan is to focus on the children and what will work best for them.
Considering special occasions and days such as birthdays and certain holidays is important when creating a co-parenting plan. For example, if you and your child have always celebrated Halloween together as a special occasion, this might be something you focus on in the plan. Meanwhile, if your child and your ex have always valued the Fourth of July as special to them, you can include something about that holiday between them in your co-parenting plan.
Taking into account certain activities the child participates in is also important. Your co-parenting plan should note which parent takes part in any given activity.
Always be flexible if an issue arises that involves making a change to the co-parenting schedule. Having a contingency plan in place can help in case of an emergency.
Above all else, you and your ex should always only speak positively of one another around your child. It can help keep the family bonds strong and benefit your child.