The Top Five Ways that Parents Can be Considerate and Child-Focused in Parenting Plans

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:

• following the parenting time schedule.

• explaining the parenting time schedule to the child in age-appropriate words.

• creating a parenting time schedule that supports the amount of sleep the child needs at each age.

• following similar times for bedtime and naptime in each home.

• sharing information about the child, such as illness, medication, behavior, and discipline.

Part Three: Parents support their child’s activities and friendships by:

• keeping each other informed about the child’s friends, activities, and events.

• allowing the child to attend their activities and events.

• attending the child’s activities and events when appropriate.

• arranging or providing transportation for the child.

• 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:

• agreeing on and using workable methods of respectful communication with the other parent.

• letting the other parent know about the child’s activities and appointments as soon as possible.

• giving as much advance notice as possible to the other parent about special occasions or requested changes to the schedule.

• 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:

• treating the other parent respectfully.

• encouraging and helping the child transition to the care of the other parent.

• being on time and informing the other parent if there are unavoidable delays

• having the child ready to go on time with the other parent.

• letting the child carry “important” items with them between the parents’ homes, such as clothes, toys, stuffed animals, and security blankets.

• informing the other parent if another person will be taking the parent’s place for the transition.

• being aware of the impact of having other people involved in the transition.