Today’s parents often feel pressure to do it all. The demands on time often take a toll on a marriage, sometimes even resulting in divorce. When faced with deadlines imposed by one’s boss and the endless needs of one’s children, it is easy for a marriage to fall by the wayside. For working parents who are divorced and share custody, things can be even more complicated. Sharing custody of your children with another parent means sharing your own time. And as all working parents know, time is a limited resource.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, approximately 70% of mothers work outside the home; and nearly 30% of them earn more money than their husbands. These statistics and the changing demographics behind them have altered how courts award child custody. Among working parents, custody is often divided.
There are a few tips working parents can follow to make a joint custody arrangement work well for everyone. First, it is critical to have a solid, detailed parenting plan in place, as well as a parenting time schedule. This serves to give your child a sense of stability. Your parenting plan should include provisions for third-party childcare, contingency plans, and plans for when your child is not in school. There are many “what ifs” as a parent, and the key to conflict free co-parenting is having as spelled out as possible in your parenting plan. That way, when the unexpected happens, you already have a game plan.
Also, it is helpful to see your ex spouse as an asset, not an adversary. Even if your marriage was rife with conflict, you can still work together to become successful co-parents. Remember that both you and your spouse love your children equally. When your spouse has the children, take advantage of every second to recharge your batteries and take care of yourself.
Do not be too hard on yourself. While you may feel expected to do it all, the reality is that it just is not possible. You cannot give 100% to your kids and 100% to your job. If your job requires extensive travel, stay in touch with your kids every day with a video messaging service such as Facetime or Skype. If you have a particularly busy week, try to make the time up with your kids the following week by planning a special outing or vacation.
Towson Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Handle All Types of Cases Involving Child Custody in Maryland
If you are a working parent seeking child custody in Maryland, we can help you create a thorough, specific, parenting plan that accommodates everyone in your family and includes plans for the unexpected. To schedule your free confidential consultation, contact the Towson child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC today at 443-589-0150 or contact us online. With offices conveniently located in Hunt Valley, Pikesville, and Towson, we represent clients throughout Maryland in Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County, including the communities of Baltimore, Towson, Essex, Columbia, Pikesville and Bel Air.
