How to Make the Most of Your Parenting Time After Divorce in Illinois

 Posted on January 14, 2021 in Visitation

After your Illinois divorce, you will most likely be spending less time with your children than you are used to, even if you have been granted the larger share of parenting time. Parents whose time is limited to weekends and the occasional weeknight or special occasion may find the aftermath of a divorce to be especially hard. With these limitations on time with your children, it is even more important to make the most of the time that you do have.

Tips for Quality Parenting Time

As you work to make sure that your parenting time is meaningful and to protect your relationship with your children, here are some suggestions that can help:

• Think carefully about your parenting time schedule. One of the best ways to make the most of your parenting time is to ensure that during the time you have, you are able to focus on your children. This starts with considering your schedule and that of your children and working toward a parenting plan in which you are mostly free from work and other obligations during your scheduled parenting time. You may be able to negotiate the schedule with your spouse or make your case in court for a schedule that preserves your relationship with your children.

• Plan transportation between homes. Making a plan for transitions between your home and that of the other parent can prevent you from losing valuable parenting time and outline the logistics or process of getting your children ready to go. Timely transportation between homes can also help you maintain a better co-parenting relationship with your former spouse.

• Balance routine with special occasions. It may be tempting to try to always be the fun parent by planning special events during your parenting time, but this can create unrealistic expectations and be draining for both you and your children. Often, what children really need after a divorce is consistency and a stable routine, so make sure that you take time to simply be a parent in addition to planning something special once in a while.

• Stay positive. A divorce is emotionally difficult for both parents and children, and your kids will likely look to you for support during a challenging time. Try to maintain a positive outlook as much as possible, and especially avoid negativity when it comes to the other parent, as this can create a hostile environment that detracts from quality family time.

Contact a DuPage County Family Law Attorney

Going through a divorce can be painful, but when you have children, you will have to learn how to co-parent with your ex-spouse for the sake of the kids. Working with an experienced Lombard, IL divorce lawyer can help you create a parenting plan that allows for quality time with your kids, as well as modify your plan in the future to better meet your family’s changing needs. Call A. Traub & Associates today at 630-426-0196 to learn what we can do for you.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.7

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-a-parenting-s_b_9384156