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4 tips to help you stick to your shared parenting plan

On Behalf of | Jul 31, 2022 | Child Custody

When parents divorce, the whole family must adjust to many changes. Co-parenting requires coordination between two separate households, which can be a challenge.

In an Ohio divorce, the court generally requires parents to establish a shared parenting plan. The goal is to establish a custody arrangement that is clear, fair and aligned with the children’s best interests. Adjusting to your new arrangement can be hard, but there are ways to make the process easier.

1. Use the cloud to synchronize your schedules

Between school, play dates, appointments and activities, children often have busier lives than their parents! To keep everything straight, consider using a cloud-based calendar that both parents can view and edit.

2. Avoid using your children as messengers

Although it might seem convenient, you should not expect your children to relay information to their other parent. Putting kids in the middle can create conflict and misunderstanding. Communicating directly with your ex-spouse helps ensure that you are on the same page.

3. Set consistent rules

With two separate homes, it is normal to have some variations in rules and routines. You can not realistically expect your former spouse to parent exactly the same way as you do. However, your parenting plan will be easier to follow if you agree on a few consistent ground rules, such as bedtime.

4. Check in periodically

If your child custody arrangement is not working for everyone, it may be time to modify it. Consider scheduling regular meetings, both as a family and one-on-one with your co-parent, to talk about how things are going and what could be better.

The shared parenting plan is an essential tool for divorced parents. Clear and consistent communication is the key to following your plan successfully.

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