Parents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas who have ended their marriage have to focus on what’s best for their children. The right co-parenting plan is important.
Why should you avoid the 50/50 co-parenting plan?
The 50/50 co-parenting plan is popular and often recommended. However, it splits your child’s time between you and your ex evenly such as one week with you and one week with them. The weeks continuously alternate as your child then spends a week with you and then the next with their other parent. While this might seem simple and acceptable, it’s not ideal for many children. Alternating weeks this way can lead to separation anxiety in your child. This is because your child goes a full week without seeing one of their parents, which can create the issue of missing that parent. The 50/50 schedule can work if you have an older child, but it’s not advised for toddlers.
What is a better option for your co-parenting plan?
To give your child the best option with your co-parenting plan, you might want to consider trying the 2-2-3 schedule. This schedule allows your child to spend two days with you, two days with your former spouse and then three days with you again. Once the next week arrives, they stay with your ex two days, then with you for two days and then with your former spouse for three days.
You can also try the 5-2 co-parenting schedule. Your child will stay with you for five days and then with your ex for the remaining two days that week. The following week, your former spouse has your child for five days and then you get them for two and so forth.
There is also the option of the 3-4-4-3 co-parenting schedule, which sees you getting child custody for three days and your ex having four days with your child. You then alternate so your ex gets your child for four days and then you have them for the remaining three days.
Alternative co-parenting schedules can put your child’s mind more at ease and prevent problems like separation anxiety. You and your former spouse should discuss these options and try at least two to see what works best.