Knowing the best custody arrangements for toddlers requires the joint effort of both parents to reach an amicable agreement. Creating a safe space for a child after a divorce will help the child have a healthy upbringing and mindset.
This means for the best custody arrangements for toddlers, we should consider the best interests of the child. When a court offers both parents joint custody of a child during a divorce, this is known as shared custody.
The court distinguishes between shared legal custody, which includes decisions on activities, academics, and religion. On the other hand, shared physical custody involves the kid spending time at both parents’ houses.
When you and your ex have joint physical custody of children, it can take time to iron out the logistics. This includes arranging schedules, dividing up holidays, and moving the kids between homes.
It’s not always simple to have the best custody arrangements for toddlers, especially when spouses are attempting to reach an agreement with someone they couldn’t bear being married to.
In this article, we’ll provide some tips on having the best custody arrangements for toddlers.
Tips For Having The Best Custody Arrangements For Toddlers
Speak no evil
It is commonly advised to spouses to not speak poorly about their exes if they want the best custody arrangement for their children. Even though ex-spouses don’t have the best intentions and feelings for each other, the child still feels an emotional connection toward their parents.
However, if notable problems such as domestic violence and abuse were present in the family, it is important to file an apprehended violence order (AVO) against the abuser in order for a parent to gain sole custody of their children.
Pick your battles
Co-parenting adds an additional layer of difficulty to the already difficult task of parenting. Open communication will help you avoid as many disputes as possible with your ex, but if disagreements do develop, examine if the conflict is genuinely worth fighting over.
Joint custody is not about the parents
As mentioned, the best interests of the child should be considered in getting the best custody arrangements for toddlers. The divorce is about the parents and not the kids. Shared custody works best when parents set aside their egos and realise that the best custody arrangements for toddlers are their efforts to make one on their terms.
A bad spouse doesn’t equate to being a bad parent
Sure enough, ex-couples didn’t have the best marriage, but it doesn’t mean they are incapable of taking care of their children. The marriage may not have worked, but ex-couples can still deliver the best custody arrangements for toddlers.
Let the child be heard
During a divorce, a child goes through a lot of changes. Allowing the child to voice his or her feelings and confusion regarding the divorce and custody arrangement might help him feel in control during the transition.
The Toddler’s Development
Understanding key aspects of toddler development from 18 months to 3 years will help parents create the best custody arrangements for toddlers.
- Toddlers form close bonds with their parents and caretakers. They may be afraid of change and separation. It is common for a toddler to weep or be upset during a conversation; this does not indicate that the other parent has done anything wrong.
- Toddlers are becoming more aware of their surroundings and more self-reliant. They may frequently use the word “no” and be demanding. They have the ability to adapt to various parenting techniques.
- Toddlers may recall recent events and individuals. They are acutely aware of tension, hostility, and aggression, as well as conflict.
Suggestions For The Best Custody Arrangements For Toddlers
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday/Sunday Visits
If the parents live somewhat close to one another, this routine is ideal for a toddler. Tuesday, Thursday, and once every weekend, alternating between Saturday and Sunday, are the days for visits for the other parent.
For a toddler, the joint-custody schedule is ideal because:
- Visits with the minor-care parent are predictable, occurring after one or two days of absence.
- Depending on the pickup and dropoff times, the kid is never away from the primary caregiver for more than 24 hours.
- Each week, parents have the same care days from Monday to Friday, making daycare and work schedules easier to manage.
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday Visits
The toddler visits the minor-care parent every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday in this simpler arrangement. This plan includes a predictable weekend visitation pattern, which some may find unappealing, although it is ideal where parents live more than 20 minutes apart.
The necessity for changeovers during the working week is reduced by having a visit every Saturday morning until Sunday morning.
Frequent Non-Overnight Visits
Another option is for the child to sleep at the same house every night and visit the non-custodial parent only in the evenings or during the day. A schedule lacking overnight visits is more common for babies than toddlers. If the toddler and non-custodial parent do not yet have a solid relationship, this type of limitation may be suitable.
The optimal schedule for toddler visits without overnight stays is four times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. These visits may take place between 5 and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, for example.
The toddler will benefit much from the schedule’s consistency. The child practically lives in a single home, while seeing the non-custodial parent frequently.
Importance Of Seeking Legal Advice
A common criticism among men is that they are marginalised as parents because they spend too little time with their children. The mother-child bond is given precedence over the father-child relationship.
Both parents should be considered for joint physical custody if they are competent and live close to each other.
JB Solicitors believes that both parents and children can adapt to new situations. Children can build bright, secure relationships with individuals who are not their primary caregivers, and parents can learn how to care for their children successfully by receiving the proper legal advice.
Our team of experienced family lawyers can help parents get the best custody arrangements for toddlers through proper mediation to ensure a child’s healthy upbringing despite a divorce.
Reach out and create child custody arrangements with JB Solicitors today
