Part One: Parents support their child’s relationship with the other parent by:
- helping the child have regular contact with the other parent when they are not together,
- such as by phone calls, video calls, texts, e-mail, cards, and letters.
- speaking positively about the other parent.
- responding positively when the child talks about the child’s time with the other parent.
- helping the child feel good about their time with the other parent.
- showing each other respect when attending the child’s activities at the same time.
- supporting contact with grandparents, stepparents, and other extended family members so
- the child doesn’t lose these relationships.
- being flexible with parenting time so the child can take part in the other parent’s special
- family celebrations and events.
- allowing the child to display pictures of the other parent and other family members
- respecting differences in parenting styles and practices.
- ensuring both parents have the opportunity to provide care that supports the child’s
- development.
Part Two: Parents support consistency in their Child’s life by:
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following the parenting time schedule.
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explaining the parenting time schedule to the child in age-appropriate words.
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creating a parenting time schedule that supports the amount of sleep the child needs at each age.
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following similar times for bedtime and naptime in each home.
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sharing information about the child, such as illness, medication, behavior, and discipline.
Part Three: Parents support their child’s activities and friendships by:
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keeping each other informed about the child’s friends, activities, and events.
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allowing the child to attend their activities and events.
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attending the child’s activities and events when appropriate.
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arranging or providing transportation for the child.
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making sure the child has what they need to participate, such as athletic equipment or musical instruments.
Part Four: Parents communicate positively with each other by:
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agreeing on and using workable methods of respectful communication with the other parent.
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letting the other parent know about the child’s activities and appointments as soon as possible.
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giving as much advance notice as possible to the other parent about special occasions or requested changes to the schedule.
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providing the other parent with travel plans and how the child and the parent can be reached.
Part Five: Parents support peaceful parenting time transitions by:
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treating the other parent respectfully.
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encouraging and helping the child transition to the care of the other parent.
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being on time and informing the other parent if there are unavoidable delays
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having the child ready to go on time with the other parent.
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letting the child carry “important” items with them between the parents’ homes, such as clothes, toys, stuffed animals, and security blankets.
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informing the other parent if another person will be taking the parent’s place for the transition.
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being aware of the impact of having other people involved in the transition.
