Child custody agreements are created with consideration for the best interests of the child and the mother’s and father’s rights as parents. Custody and visitation may differ from family to family depending on individual circumstances. Regardless of the visitation schedule established, parents can ensure that their children are provided with what matters most – quality time.
Structure Equals Security
Children are in the process of developing a sense of security in their environment and trust in the people close to them. Parents can facilitate this development by providing children with reliable schedules. If both parents can agree on similar routines for daily activities such as mealtime and homework, it will provide children with a fundamental sense of stability.
The nature of shared visitation requires children to deal with change in their environment as they alternate visitation to each parent’s home. Although children will be able to cope with differences in both environment and parenting styles, parents can help ease their children’s transitions from one home to another by providing them with familiar and beloved items such as stuffed animals, blankets, or photos.
Quality Time Equals Bonding
It is important for children to spend quality time with each parent. If there is more than one child, parents should spend one-on-one time with each child to let them know that they are special and unique individuals. Interactive recreations such as playing board games, card games, or a new game that the child invented, can spark their imagination and lead to hours of entertainment.
Having children become involved in projects around the house, such as painting or decorating, allows them to feel helpful and accomplished. Cooking is another activity that children may enjoy as it also provides parents with the opportunity to teach children about food and nutrition. Playing sports, dancing, or riding bikes are just a few enjoyable ways to exercise with children, ensuring a healthy lifestyle.
Quality time should not end because a parent is not with their child daily. Parents can still connect with children through phone calls, email, video chats, or handwritten letters. Regardless of the visitation schedule, parents can find ways to bond with their children as it is the quality time they spend together that is more important, not the quantity.
Respect for Each Other Sets Examples
Children may experience anxiety, depression, or developmental delays when exposed to conflict regarding adult issues such as visitation or child support. If one parent speaks negatively about the other parent to the children, children may feel as if they are caught in the middle and may even internalize the negative commentary. Conflict between parents should be resolved respectfully, in a spirit of cooperation, and without involving the children. If parents are unable to resolve conflict amicably, they may turn to family members, mediators, attorneys, or other sources of assistance.
Towson Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Navigate Visitation Issues
If you are experiencing issues with visitation, the Towson child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC can assist you in determining an optimal visitation schedule. We have offices conveniently located in Towson and Hunt Valley, Maryland, proudly serving clients throughout Towson, Hunt Valley, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster, Essex, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County. Call us at 443-589-0150 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation today.
