10 Ways to Make Visitation after Divorce Easier
Saturday, August 12th, 2017 | Divorce Attorney Knoxville TN, Divorce Knoxville | No Comments
10 Ways to Make Visitation after Divorce Easier
Divorce, just like Child Custody after divorce is a tough experience that takes a toll on all family members, particularly the children. However, as parents, your main focus should be to collaborate and continue to parent together for the sake of your children. Your kids needs to feel comfortable about the new arrangements, and the more cooperative you are, the better the visits will be for everyone. Also, parenting as a team ensures that the divorce won’t have any negative, long lasting effects on your children.
If you’ve just been divorced and you’re finding it difficult to cope with visitation, here are some tips to help you navigate through this process.
1. Create a Positive Atmosphere
Your children need to feel cared for and comfortable during this transition. As parents, learn to connect with your kids on a personal level and celebrate their independent choices. Also, make sure that no parent is discussed in a negative way as kids are loyal to both parents, Kids should not feel conflicted when talking to one parent about the other parent.
By creating a positive environment, you reassure your kids that you still have their best interests at heart despite the circumstances.
2. Avoid Arguing in front of The Children
Arguing is uncomfortable to watch for everyone. Avoid arguing during visits. Remember that visitation is a time to focus on your children and as parents, it’s your duty to make this transition as smooth as possible. You can have a separate time to deal with your differences. Alternatively, you can have a session with a mediator to resolve any underlying issues.
3. Create a Visitation Calendar
Each home should have a calendar that outlines parenting time visits, weekday dinners, sleep overs, school events, and more. Set realistic expectations for time spent together. A calendar makes a confusing schedule easier to manage as well as predictable, especially if you have young children.4. Phone Calls and Phone Numbers
As a parent, make sure that your child has contact information of both parents, caregivers, and close family members. Let them know that it’s okay to stay in touch with the other parent. In addition, allow your kids to make calls to the other parent in case of an exciting sports day or in instances like saying goodnight.
5. Encourage Familiar Items
Children get attached to certain items at home. Allow them to bring these familiar items when visiting as this will make the process easier for them. These items could be a favorite book, blanket, or a stuffed animal.
6. Respect Their Preferences
Visitation can be tricky especially in instances where you prefer something and your child would rather do the opposite. If this happens, try to accommodate your child’s needs but don’t force your preferences on them. Learn to respect their individuality and ensure that they feel comfortable, cared for, and most importantly, valued.
7. Be Prompt
Being on time reassures your kids that you still value them and that you’re doing everything to make the process smooth. During this time, do away with all the distractions. Your main focus should be to make your children the priority. Take part in a game they’re playing or go out and have some quality time together.
Also, you could try and stick to the same routine your children had before you got divorced. For example, if you used to read them their favorite story after dinner, you should ensure this still happens during visitations.
8. Talk to Your Children about Their Feelings
Children may sometimes wish to talk about how they feel about the divorce. Encourage them to express their feelings in an honest way, even if they are negative. Letting your children voice their concerns around you will make them more comfortable.
9. Be Flexible With Your Schedule
Sometimes things happen that are beyond our abilities. If you happen to miss a visitation, ensure that the other parent is given a prior notice. Additionally, if you were supposed to pick the kids up, but something is going on, be flexible and instead change the visitation to another time that suits both parties.
10. Review the Arrangement and Make the Necessary Adjustments
Your child custody agreement should change as your kids grow. Sit down and assess how the arrangement is working for both of you and make the necessary changes if your children have now grown. You can start with small changes to ensure that everyone is comfortable.
Parenting after a divorce is never easy. However, going into it with an open mind and being in constant communication makes the process easier for both the parents and children. The above tips will help ensure that the transition is smooth.
