Getting divorced is an emotional experience for everyone involved, but especially for the children. When parents are involved in custody disputes, kids may fear they won’t see one of their parents anymore. While it helps to reassure them that this isn’t the case, the following actions can also help make the transition easier for your children.

How to Make Joint Custody Easier for Your Kids

1. Choose Mediation

Before investing yourself in a custody dispute with your former spouse, talk to a divorce attorney about mediation. Your attorney can help mediate the process, allowing you and your ex a way to compromise on custody. If you can reach an equitable agreement in mediation, it won’t be necessary to go through a prolonged and frustrating court battle.

2. Find an Emotional Outlet

There’s no denying that custody disputes bring out negative feelings, but try to maintain a degree of control. Speaking unkindly of your ex-spouse in your child’s presence can endanger your own custody rights, but it also puts stress on your child. Instead, get together with friends or join a support group that encourages you to vent in a safer, more constructive environment. This aids your emotional well-being, and you’ll be better equipped to handle your spouse.

3. Get the Most of Your Parenting Time

Too often, parents want to win against their spouse without realizing that custody is primarily about the child’s well-being. Your time with your child becomes limited, so focus on the child’s happiness and care. Talking to them about their experiences and discussing their wants and needs can help you plan your parenting time more effectively.

4. Make Transitions as Easy as Possible

No one expects you to be best friends with your ex-spouse, but they will likely always be a part of your child’s life. Learning to get along and making honest attempts to show up on time can go a long way toward helping your child get acclimated to this new family dynamic. Give your child a copy of the custody schedule, if they’re older, so they feel more involved. When they know which days they will see each parent, they can plan out their activities and remind you of important dates.

Co-parenting isn’t an easy situation to manage, especially if the process begins with custody disputes. The attorneys at McBrayer, McGinnis & Leslie, PLLC, in Ashland, KY, will help you seek the custody arrangement that’s optimal for your situation. Founded in 1963, they have expertise in a broad range of practice areas to benefit their clients. To schedule a consultation, fill out their online form or call (606) 473-7303.