Parents who have visitation with their children may not have the same custody rights as the other parent. Even if they share joint custody, one parent will be the primary custodian, while the other has visitation schedules to adhere to.
As a parent who has to abide with visitation schedules, it’s a good idea to know what you can do to make visitation easier on yourself and your child. Some good tips include:
- Showing up on time to each visitation date
- Developing routines that mimic the primary household and provide your child with security
- Helping your child make friends when they’re in your neighborhood, so they’re able to feel comfortable in both homes
- Spending time with your child individually, so you can build up a strong, positive relationship
With your former spouse, it’s a good idea to set boundaries. You may both get along eventually, but if you don’t now, then you’ll want to take some steps to make visitation dates easier. Make sure you’re respectful by:
- Informing your ex-spouse of any new partners in your life that might meet your child
- Discussing where your child will be while in your care
- Being flexible if the other parent asks for changes to the visitation schedule due to illness, work or events
Visitation doesn’t have to result in conflicts. For most people, visitation is as easy as transferring your child from one parent’s care to the other. You both love your child, so do your best to respect each other and your child’s needs. Doing so will make visitation dates much easier.
