It is common for divorcing parents to fight with each other over custody. Often, both of them want to maximize the amount of time they have with the kids, even though they know their gain will be the other parent’s loss.
While there are sometimes valid reasons to pursue a much larger share of custody than the other parent, it is often far better to divide parenting time more equally, instead. Here are three reasons why that can be true:
1. It offers more stability for the children
If your children are used to having both of you around most of the time, then a sudden change where they do not get to see much of one parent can be especially hard for them. They’ll have come to rely on each of you for different things, and allowing that to continue is often in their best interests.
2. You gain more time for yourself
Yes, you are a parent, but you are also your own human being. Even if the dreams and ambitions you once had got lost with the demands of parenthood, you still need to look after yourself. A more equal parenting split can allow you to further your career, study, get out to exercise more or catch up with friends and on sleep. Putting yourself first on occasion can help you to be a better parent for your kids than if you are constantly exhausted from having the majority of the responsibility.
3. It can lead to better co-parenting
If both you and your co-parent feel you got a fair deal, there is less chance that resentment gets carried over into the co-parenting process or that challenges and disputes become a wearying part of the relationship. Fighting is not good for you or your kids.
Having appropriate legal guidance can help you forge a more harmonious custody agreement that builds a solid base for future co-parenting.