There are many challenges associated with sharing parental rights and responsibilities. Divorcing or separating parents often need to think carefully about the issues that could arise to establish appropriate rules for the family.
Frequently, parents who share custody focus primarily on how they divide parenting time and decision-making authority. However, they may also want to address special concerns and their parenting plans. For example, the three school-year issues below could all lead to custody conflicts without advanced planning.
1. Sick days and calls from school
The parent who has physical custody or parenting time on any given day has a responsibility to meet the children’s needs. They may have to stay home or arrange for child care when the children are sick. They might have to leave work in the middle of the day if there are disciplinary issues or sudden-onset symptoms during class. A parent who is not available to care for the children at all during the day may not be able to fully share custody during the school year.
2. Homework and school projects
Schoolwork can easily become a source of conflict between parents. One parent might leave a notebook or major project at their home before a custody exchange. There could be conflict because parents have different standards about homework. Parents may need to have rules in place regarding homework and the responsibility to bring supplies to custody exchanges.
3. Class parties, school events and field trips
The school year often provides many opportunities for parents to interact with their children and support them. Sometimes, co-parents can both attend class parties or award ceremonies. Other times, they need to have a system in place for sharing, splitting or rotating those parent involvement days.
Addressing sources of co-parenting conflict in advance can be beneficial for the entire family. Robust parenting plans reduce opportunities for conflict when parents share custody.