Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC

Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC Louisville Kentucky

(502) 584-1108

Help Your Kids Adjust to Shared Parenting During and After a Louisville Divorce

Help Your Kids Adjust to Shared Parenting - Louisville Divorce

What are the best strategies to help your kids adjust to shared parenting during and after a Louisville divorce?  Divorce presents difficult practical and emotional challenges for any child.  Dividing their time between two households requires a period of adjustment and a lot of understanding from both parents.  What are some tips to make the transition as well as the new normal of shared parenting easier for each child?

One of the best strategies to help your kids adjust to shared parenting is to have a consistent schedule with smooth transitions between households.  Children are used to having a schedule, and the Court will give this substantial consideration as it reviews your strategy for custody and parenting time.  Try to preserve as much of each child’s existing routine as possible.  Remaining in the same school surrounded by a strong circle of friends is a positive first step.  The “exchange” or transition from one household to another can be a significant source of stress for parents and children alike.  Give thought to the transition and how you can make it as easy as possible for your child(ren) to move between households.

Communication is another important element to help your kids adjust to shared parenting during and after a Louisville divorce.  Make sure to avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your children.  This is not only unhealthy from the child’s perspective, but can be used as evidence of parental alienation.  Our Courts prefer for children to maintain open communications with each parent.  Consider how you can employ video telephone chats, texting, email and other strategies to keep communications open with the other parent when the child is staying in your home.

Another helpful strategy to help your kids adjust to shared parenting is to agree to a common set of rules which will be used when parenting, especially discipline.  Common agreements regarding homework, screen time, bed time and even meals can also help your child(ren) to adapt and thrive.

We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and contact us or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce and family law attorneys.