What will happen to your children in your divorce is likely one of your main concerns as you walk through this legal process. Your divorce will affect every member of your Colorado family, and you understand how important it is to shield the youngest members of the family from the turmoil and upheaval this process could potentially bring. You know it’s crucial to have a strong and thoughtful custody plan in place.
The more thorough your custody plan, the less likely it will be that you will experience difficulty, confusion and disputes over child-related issues. One of the goals you may consider for your custody and visitation plans is including terms that will outline smooth transitions between homes. Going between two homes can be difficult, and it’s beneficial to make this process as easy as possible for the children.
What makes a smooth transition?
Kids, especially younger children, can have a difficult time going back and forth between homes. If you and the other parent have different parenting styles and approaches to how you run your homes, children may have a hard time adjusting every few days. There are specific things you can do that will make this easier for every member of the family:
- Stay involved in your child’s school life and academic progress, even when he or she is with the other parent.
- Set a specific place to be your pick-up location, eliminating the need to talk about it every time.
- Have a routine and schedule for pick-up or drop-off days, giving the children a sense of stability.
- Communicate with your kids even when they are not with you. Allow them to remain connected with the other parent when they are at your house.
- Try to work with the other parent to establish similar routines in each of your homes.
- Encourage and support your child’s social life, even if they are at the other parent’s home.
Transitioning between homes can be stressful for your children, especially during and immediately after your divorce. Having a plan for this transition can make it easier for all involved, providing your kids with a sense of stability and continuity of lifestyle. It will require cooperation with the other parent, which means both of you may have to set aside your own feelings to protect the best interests of the kids above all else.