Determining child custody is one of the most complicated factors in divorce. You want to make sure your children are taken care of and that they have the time they need with each parent. You also want to protect them from negative situations and encourage them to thrive, even though this is a complicated time in their lives.
With child-custody cases, the best thing you and your spouse can do is be willing to negotiate. Even though you are estranged and separated, your children still need you to be there for them. You must both work as a family unit, even though you are separated. If you don’t, having different routines, rules and schedules can be difficult for children to adjust to.
How can you make divorce easier on your children?
If you have multiple children, then it’s best to keep them together during visitation and custody in most cases. However, there might be times when it’s easier to change their custody days and to set them apart. For example, if you have a toddler and a 10-year-old child, giving the sibling a break from being with the younger child can be helpful. They appreciate time with their sibling more, but they also get time to relax and do activities with mom or dad without the younger child present. This encourages independence but also helps them get the individual support they need during the divorce.
The best thing to do for your children during divorce is to be able to be there for them. Put them first, and they will thrive no matter the circumstances.