When two divorced parents share custody of their child, it can often feel like starting anew. Both parents know one another better than most, but now they need to come together to make decisions that are best for their child.
After the divorce is finalized, the next step is figuring out how to parent together. It’s not always easy to make decisions together.
Shared custody, also known as joint custody, is a child custody arrangement where both parents share physical and legal custody of their child. It is a common arrangement after a divorce or separation, and it can have many advantages for the child’s well-being.
However, joint custody can also be challenging for parents, who have to coordinate their schedules and parenting styles. Explore some of the creative fringe benefits of shared custody.
More Free Time for Yourself
The extra time to focus on yourself can prove to be invaluable. You can use this period to make time for yourself as a parent. You can focus on activities that help maintain overall wellness. This can be getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, taking up a hobby, or engaging in physical activity.
Your newfound freedom will allow you to make the most of your shared custody arrangements. Ultimately, it can lead to a better life for both you and your children.
Opportunities for Personal Travel
It is important that both parents identify mutual times that they can still travel with their children. And at separate times that allow for solo exploration. Working together to create an effective schedule that allows for both work and leisure will open options to explore independently.
With the proper arrangements, long weekends, extended trips, and other adventurous journeys become a possibility no matter where the parents are located.
Lower Childcare Costs
Childcare can be expensive, and joint custody can help you save money on this expense. When your child is with the other parent, you don’t have to pay for childcare, which can be a significant financial relief. You can use this money for other purposes, such as savings, debt repayment, or leisure activities. Talk to the family court lawyer found here to learn more about shared custody.
More Quality Time With Your Child
Spending more quality time with your child will ensure that you maintain a strong relationship with them. It provides them with the necessary support and guidance that are essential for their well-being.
When you have less time with your child, you may be more intentional about how you spend that time. You can plan activities that you both enjoy, such as playing games, watching movies, or cooking together.
Opportunities to Pursue Your Career
Shared custody gives parents more financial and emotional freedom to pursue their career dreams. This can be especially beneficial for single parents with more difficulty in pursuing their careers due to childcare and other responsibilities.
When you have more free time, you can focus on your professional goals, whether it’s getting a promotion, starting a business, or learning new skills. This can have long-term benefits for your financial stability and personal fulfillment.
Making Shared Custody Work
Shared custody is an excellent arrangement for both children and parents. It allows children to develop important relationships, builds trust and communication between both parents, and enables parents to create creative fringe benefits to make the most out of the arrangement. Try implementing some of the ideas provided for the best child-parent relationship possible.
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