Having visitation with your child can be difficult, especially if you are only allowed a limited amount of time. Not all parents have equal parenting time. In most cases one parent is awarded primary custody while the other parent is granted visitation rights according to a parenting plan.
We can help you obtain a quality parenting plan. Call the Law Offices of Paul F. Sherman at (503) 223-8141 or Contact Us for a free parenting time consultation.
Parenting plans are not always easy and as a parent you can feel the need to make each visit more important than the last. A visitation schedule can vary greatly depending on the court’s orders and the schedules of both parents. Distance also creates problems with parenting plans and can make visiting your child even more challenging.
It is your responsibility as a parent to make your child a priority in your life and to
make the most of the parenting time you have.
MAKE YOUR CHILD A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE
It is important to focus on what is going on in the present instead of dwelling on feelings of frustration or regret you may have with regards to your child. Always make sure that your child knows that you value the time that you have with them and that they are a priority in your life.
NORMALIZE YOUR PARENITNG TIME
Your parenting time is about spending quality and wholesome time with your child. You don’t always have to make big plans during your parenting time. Remember, you are their parent and not their entertainer. Attempting to do something big on every outing is exhausting and may change your child’s expectations. It is important to try doing normal, everyday activities with your child during parenting time. Spend quality time talking with your child and meaningfully connecting. Know what is going on in their life. Spend quality time at home with your children – watch a movie or cook a meal or get involved in your child’s activities.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD FEELS WELCOME IN YOUR HOME
It is essential that you make sure your child feels welcome in your home at all times. Make sure your child has their own room or a space they can call their own. Make your house their home.
FOCUS ON BEING NATURAL WITH YOUR CHILD
Many of our clients feel strained when they don’t see their child as often as they would like. Do what you can to act naturally and encourage your child to be themselves in your home. Talk with your children about their favorite interests and share activities you enjoy.
ALWAYS KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR CHLD
While you may not be able to see your child as often as you like, focus on maintaining contact with the child when you are apart. You should schedule weekly phone calls or video chats during times when you are both free. Stick to your plan, even if you are busy so that your child knows they can rely on you and that these communications are important to you. You can also email and text your child regularly to stay in contact. Be there for your child.
CONTACT PAUL F. SHERMAN FOR EXPERT ADVICE ON YOUR VISITATION OR PARENTING TIME ISSUES
We know you have questions, and we have answers. If you would like to know more about visitation or developing a quality parenting time plan for your children, call the Law Offices of Paul F. Sherman at (503) 223-8141 or Contact Us for a free parenting time consultation.