Divorce is often a stressful, emotional and unexpected event, but parents in Texas and elsewhere need to be aware how the process impacts their children. While it is clear that the divorce process will significantly change the lives of both parents, the decisions they make during dissolution shape the upbringing a child will be faced with. More importantly, a parenting plan should be about the needs of the child and not those of the parents.
It is too often the case that divorcing parents will use a child custody agreement as payback to their former spouse or a way to get favoritism of a child or children. Using a parenting plan to fulfill the needs of a spiteful plot will not only create more disputes and hostility among the ex-spouses but could significantly impact the child both mentally and emotionally.
While it is clear that all divorces and parenting situations are not the same, parenting time should be about the child and what works best for the child. Although it is important to consider the work schedules and other commitments each parent might have, a child should not work around the schedule of a parent but rather parents should work together to create a custody arrangement that will focus on the best interests of the child.
Despite the methods to approach custody plans positively and rationally, custody disputes do occur. In these matters, it is best to obtain insight and advice about how to best approach the situation. This will not only help them work through the divorce issues but will keep the focus on the needs and interests of the child or children involved.
Source: Huffington Post, “Parenting Is Not About Me,” Lauren Stevens, Jan. 6, 2015