June 24, 2021
Sometimes, certain situations will end up leading single parents to have difficulty with putting personal feelings aside. That can be quite tricky when there needs to be co-parenting for the child or children. For the most part, child time sharing arrangements are the best possible solution, especially if this ends up being mandated by the court as a solution in certain situations.
That way, both parents will be able to actively play a role in the child or children’s life. It also encourages engagement with the child for both parents. That said, effort is required on all sides in order for it to work well.
Florida Co-Parenting
When it comes to making arrangements for the child or children, the very first step is for legal paternity to be established. Advice from the Florida Department of Revenue states that this can be done through their office or through a judge-issued court order. When it’s established, then a return to court can happen so that time-sharing arrangements can be negotiated. Several issues will have to be considered, including but not limited to:
- Agreements for holidays, special occasions, and school breaks
- Division of legal decision-making authority in matters that directly affect the child or children (medical care, education, and/or religious upbringing)
- Living arrangements (child being based with one parent while the other has visitation or other arrangements)
- Participation per parent in the activities of the child (educational, recreational, social)
- Pick-up and drop-off arrangements after parent visits
- Visitation from third parties such as family members and friends
- Communication between the parents and each parent and the child(ren)
- Travel out of state and foreign travel
Ideally, arrangements will be thorough and detailed. This way, there will be no confusion regarding roles, and the likelihood of disputes will lessen.
Make It Work
There are challenges that are unique to single parents when it comes to raising their children. They’re not much different from challenges that married couples end up facing with child-rearing, however. Both parties should never forget that while a romantic relationship between two people can end because things weren’t working, that does not take away from a person’s capability as a parent.
Adjustment can be tough all around, especially in the earlier weeks or months. This also depends on the age of the child or children and their level of understanding of the situation. Some tips to make things go smoothly include, but are not limited to:
- Avoid Bad Mouthing the Ex and/or Hostility – No matter how bad things went, the child or children are not involved. The bare minimum should be politeness and being cordial. It will make co-parenting go much smoother.
- Keep a Routine – Consult with the other parent about both issues and needs of the child or children. This includes sleep schedules and dietary restrictions. Avoid plans that conflict with the other parent’s schedule or, worse, that of the child.
- Stick with the Schedule – Make sure that the parenting plan is followed as is. It’s key that every effort is made for punctuality to be achieved. When something happens, the other parent needs to know quickly.
Conclusion
There is nothing easy about being a single parent, but it can certainly be less stressful. A great way to do this is through child time sharing. It’s key to keep a routine, avoid bad-mouthing the other parent and/or having hostility, as well as to stick with the set schedule.
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