Living in the Mid-Atlantic, children throughout the state of Maryland are usually lucky enough to have a few snow days during the winter months. While these unexpected days off from school are a delight to children of all ages, they can be frustrating for working parents who must make last-minute arrangements when their children are off from school.
Divorced parents may disagree about who gets the children during these unforeseen disruptions in the parenting schedule. There are some ways to quickly and easily determine where children will spend snow days, sick days, and other unanticipated days off.
Consult the Parenting Plan
For many divorced couples, snow days are treated like regular days. So, the parent who is scheduled to have the children that day will need to plan to either be home with them or arrange for childcare when snow keeps them out of school. In other words, the parenting schedule remains the same, assigning sick days, snow days, and other unexpected days off to the parent with custody on those respective days.
Because every parent’s situation is different, compromise can fix any changes that arise in the parenting plan. Maybe one parent works from home or enjoys more flexibility with their employer and can take the day off. That parent is the practical option for children who are home from school. Divorce and parenting experts agree that a successful and healthy parenting plan always focuses primarily on the needs of the children.
Consider the Weather
If dangerous weather or road conditions make it dangerous to travel, you may have to be a bit more adaptable when it comes to the parenting schedule. If it is your night to have the children, but the roads are snow-covered or icy, consider allowing your children to remain with your ex-spouse until it becomes safe to travel. It is not fair to ask your ex-spouse or the children to take unnecessary risks, even if it means giving up some parenting time.
Work Together to Create a Backup Plan
If it is not possible for you or your ex-spouse to take time off work for snow days, create a list of available child care options that you can count on for short notice. Make contact information for grandparents or babysitters available to both parents. Both should approve the care providers and feel comfortable with safe and reliable childcare options.
Keep Open Communication
The key to making any co-parenting relationship work is good communication. Your child’s relationship with their other parent will likely endure long after your marriage ends, so it is important to talk frequently about everything impacting your children, including school, sports, social commitments, and emotional health and well-being. Children truly benefit from seeing divorced parents work together peacefully to help them thrive at every age.
Baltimore Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Create Practical Co-Parenting Plans
The key to preventing stressful co-parenting disputes is addressing every possible scenario ahead of time in your parenting plan. The Baltimore child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC have been tackling tough family law matters for more than 30 years. Call us today at 443-589-0150 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we represent clients throughout the state, including Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks, Parkton, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
