If you’re a mom sharing custody of your children with their father, motherhood may be tough at the beginning. Luckily, it’s possible to weather the storm. It may become easier for you to successfully get through if you know how to go about it the right way. Read on to see four things that you need to keep in mind in order to get the best outcome from sharing custody for all parties, especially the children.
1. Child Support Laws Vary
The first thing that you should know is that child support laws vary from one state to the next. They may also change from time to time, so it’s important for you to know what they are in your state and at the current time. For example, after the child support laws in Georgia changed in 2007, the state currently relies on the method of income shares to come up with the amount of child support that is to be awarded. Knowing details such as these could help you avoid a surprise that will leave you frustrated., disappointed, and confused.
2. Visits Should Be Friendly
Visits to and from the other parent should be as friendly as possible. This is because if a child grows up in an environment that’s violent and not peaceful, they have a higher chance of developing issues when they become adults. That said, work with the other parent and do your best to eliminate hostility and tension when your child is around. They may grow resentful and lack good role models. On the other hand, seeing both their parents work amicably together may help them learn about conflict resolution and improve their chances of succeeding in the future.
3. Good Communication Is Important
It’s important for you to keep the lines of communication with the other parent clear and open so that there are minimal issues. This is important for you to do, as it will lower the chances of important matters not getting the attention that they need. For example, if your child needs orthodontic treatment like getting braces, it’s crucial to engage with the other parent in order to make sure that they can have the treatment catered for and put underway as soon as possible. 47% of teens using Invisalign enjoyed a boost of self-esteem during the treatment when compared to a mere 22% of those who used metal braces. Be sure to communicate with your co-parent to ensure that you’re on the same page when it comes to your child’s health.
4. Routines Are Important
Finally, you and your child can benefit tremendously from getting routines in place. Your child will feel more in control of their lives and they may thrive in different aspects of their lives. You’ll also have an easier time because you can accurately predict what’s going to happen and thus plan your time effectively. Note that the other parent may be unable to make it for a visit or event due to their own appointments or routines. They may be attending regular testosterone treatments, as a 1% decrease in the levels of testosterone per year is not unusual for middle-aged and older males aged 30 to 50 years.
Keep these five things in mind so that you can improve your child’s life and ensure that shared custody works out well. They’ll be happy that you made the effort for them when they grow up into happy, well-rounded, and decent adults.
