What’s The Best Time-Sharing Schedule For Your Child’s Mental Health?

Although spouses may argue about many subjects as they approach divorce, most parents can at least agree on one thing: A child’s mental health is important. But how exactly do you protect your child’s mental health during and after a divorce? Creating an effective time-sharing schedule that serves your child’s best interests is important. But how do you choose the best schedule? What does the data say about the most optimal time-sharing schedules? What types of schedules should you try to avoid? Let’s find out:

Does a 50/50 Split Really Produce the Best Results? 

Children who enjoy roughly equal amounts of attention from each parent tend to fare better in terms of mental health, according to numerous studies. This means that creating a schedule with a 50/50 split might be a solid choice for many families in Florida. That being said, a 50/50 split isn’t always possible – either due to work commitments or specific court orders.

That being said, some psychological experts claim that a 50/50 split may actually do more harm than good in many situations. The mayhem of going back and forth between households can be too much for some children to handle. These experts have pointed out that the legal system is inherently more likely to order a 50/50 split because it is seen as “fair,” and not necessarily because it serves the best interests of the child.

Variations of the 50/50 Split 

There are many variations of the 50/50 split to consider. The first and most obvious is the alternating weeks plan. But some believe that this approach forces children to wait too long before seeing parents. These critics believe that the 2-2-3 schedule or the 3-4-4-3 schedule may be better for a child’s mental health. Of course, you also have to consider the potential issues and stress caused by constantly moving the child between homes.

The Every Other Weekend Schedule 

For parents who do not have a 50/50 split, the “every other weekend” schedule is proving to be quite popular. As the name implies, this schedule involves the child spending a weekend with the non-custodial parent every two weeks. This gives each parent a decent amount of time with the child while minimizing the stress of constantly switching between homes.

Co-Parenting Is Important Too

 Remember, creating a schedule is just one aspect of your post-divorce parental life. Instead of focusing solely on scheduling, you also need to co-parent effectively – sharing responsibilities and working as a team. This is one of the best ways to improve a child’s mental health, because it shows them that their parents can still work together.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Time-Sharing Lawyer in Florida? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Orlando child custody lawyer, look no further than Steve Marsee, P.A. We know that parents in Florida want nothing more than to protect their children’s well-being. With our help, you can explore your options for the best possible time-sharing schedule. Book your consultation today to get started on an effective action plan.

Sources: 

psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/living-automatic/201909/shared-physical-custody-what-children-discover-and-suffer

moms.com/alternating-weeks-co-parenting-plan-isnt-best-and-why/