Parenting is hard enough in normal circumstances, and as Michigan residents can attest to, the last year has been anything but normal. Add to it a divorced couple with children homeschooling and parents working from home, trying to keep up with the custody arrangement, and the stress can be overwhelming for both parents and children.
After a couple with children divorces, they may often find themselves fighting over decisions such as schools to attend, religions to choose and extracurricular activities. Negotiating an unprecedented situation like what we are witnessing now can cause more instability in everyone’s life.
However, with open communication, parents may be able to work out a way for everyone to get through the crisis safe and sane. It is important to keep in mind that until the health crisis in brought under control, parenting time and child custody arrangements may have to be temporarily changed.
Factors to consider
To create a schedule that works for everyone, the following points should be considered:
- Is it practical and in the child’s best interests to stick to the current parenting plan and shuffle a child between two houses?
- Can one parent better support home schooling than the other?
- What type of jobs are the parents working? Does one’s job involve more interaction with the public or is considered an essential worker?
- Who else lives in the home and how much interaction do they have with the public?
- Is there anyone in the home who is considered high risk?
- Does one of the residences have better and safer outdoor spaces so children can exercise and get physical activity in safely?
Seeking help, if needed
It might be difficult to change parenting plans and give up parenting time with children, especially when everything else is in flux. However, parents should honestly consider these points to make the decision that best suits their circumstances. After thing settle down, the previous parenting plan can be readopted.
