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After a divorce, it can be difficult knowing you have to split your parenting time with your former spouse. Adjusting to a parenting schedule can be one of the toughest things to handle after a divorce is finalized. It presents a substantial shift in your family life and schedule. While it may be hard to process, there are many benefits of sharing custody that your children will enjoy. Knowing this can, hopefully, be of some comfort during the struggles that come with co-parenting.
The Benefits of Shared Custody for Children
When both parents play an active role in the life of their child, absent any physical or emotional abuse, children often thrive. The saying “it takes a village” proves all too true. With shared custody, a child has the opportunity to interact with a number of people who care about him or her on a weekly basis. Each parent remains able to make a substantial contribution to raising the child and the child can then benefit from a more balanced upbringing. Additionally, the child retains access to many more extended family members as well as friend groups for both parents. Each parent can contribute their own strengths to help their child succeed and can counterbalance each other’s weaknesses.
A shared custody arrangement also allows the child to foster a solid relationship with both parents. The child can satisfy that innate need to connect with his or her parents. The consistent contact with each parent can provide the child with the opportunity to develop these essential life relationships.
While you may find it difficult to miss out on time with your child, it will also likely encourage you and your co-parent to maximize the quality of the time you do get to spend with your child. The limited-time becomes even more precious. After your child spends time with his or her other parent, he or she will come back to you to catch up and spend time together. The time away also provides you, the parent, with an opportunity to take care of those things that are more difficult when kids are around, such as taking some time for yourself. Whether it be things that have been lingering on your to-do list for far too long, going to work out, or treating yourself to a spa day, maximize the time you have to yourself and then maximize the time you spend with your child when he or she returns.
Co-parenting also helps reduce the financial stress that can come with one parent not being involved in the child’s life. With shared custody, both parents more naturally assume financial responsibility for the child. Both parents are spending a significant amount of time with the child which means they are more likely to routinely cover the costs associated with the child.
Florida Family Law Attorneys
Shared custody is not right in every situation. Even when it is “right” it may not feel “right” as it is a big change for many parents to process. The family law attorneys at Orlando Family Team remain committed to families in the midst of a divorce. We are dedicated to the pursuit of what is best for you and your loved ones. Contact us today.
