Making the Most of Parenting Time Post Divorce

 Posted on December 30, 2019 in Child Custody

Although your divorce is between you and your spouse, your child will experience the before and after effects as well. Divorce brings massive changes in a child’s life through child custody and/or relocation at any age. Between witnessing an unstable marriage to adjusting to a new life at “Mom’s” and “Dad’s” house, the influence the divorce has on the child can be tough to deal with.

Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, custody and visitation are now known as parental responsibilities. If you and/or your spouse are granted parental responsibilities, you two are in charge of making decisions regarding education, health, religion, and extra-curricular activities on behalf of your child(ren).

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind that will help contribute to successful parenting time:

• Make the most of your time. Plan ahead so when the time comes to spend time with your child, they will be the main focus. Watch his/her favorite movie, visit a local museum, go to your neighborhood park, or bake a dessert together.
• Bond over hobbies and/or sports. Does your child like to draw, play sports or play an instrument? If your child plays on a sports team or is in a school band, get involved in it with them by volunteering your time, helping them practice, or coaching.
• Attend special events, activities, and milestones. Attending all graduation ceremonies, talent shows, recitals, and science fairs will mean the world to your child. Get involved with the event planning and support them both before, during, and after each event.
• Avoid showering your child with new toys or possessions. It is easy to purchase new possessions for your child in hopes to make up for the divorce. However, the things your child wants and will remember most - time, affection, and love - cannot be bought, but rather given during your parenting time.

Contact an Elmhurst, Illinois Child Custody Lawyer Today

When getting a divorce, it is important to put your child first. If you are concerned about your child custody rights or would like some legal advice regarding your parenting time, contact an experienced Dupage County child custody attorney at 312-605-4041.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+VI&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8350000&SeqEnd=10200000