When both co-parents have busy work schedules, creating a parenting time plan that works for everyone can be challenging. Balancing job responsibilities while ensuring that children have meaningful time with both parents requires careful planning. Once in place, a well-structured parenting schedule can help to minimize stress for both parents and children while fostering stability for everyone as well.
The “best parenting time schedule” is a myth. There is no one-size-fits-all approach that works for every family. The best schedule for a particular co-parenting arrangement generally depends on the work schedules of both parents, the child’s school and extracurricular activities and the level of cooperation between co-parents involved.
Approaches worth considering
Broadly speaking, for parents who work traditional weekday hours, alternating weekends with a few midweek visits may provide a practical solution. For those with non-traditional or rotating shifts, a customized schedule that maximizes available time is essential.
One effective option is a 2-2-3 schedule, where one parent has their child for two days, the other parent has the next two days, and they alternate a three-day weekend. This schedule tends to work particularly well for younger children who may more significantly benefit from frequent in-person contact with both parents. Another alternative is a week-on, week-off schedule, which may work better for older children who can handle longer periods with each parent, perhaps supplementing communication with the other via virtual visitation arrangements.
With all of this said, it’s important to keep in mind that work schedules can change due to business trips, overtime or unexpected commitments. Co-parents should – when possible and appropriate – be willing to adjust their parenting time when necessary. Using a shared digital calendar or a co-parenting app can help track schedules, notify each other of changes and coordinate pick-ups and drop-offs. If one parent’s job involves frequent travel or unpredictable hours, crafting makeup time protocols and including them in one’s parenting plan may also be wise.
As children grow and work schedules change, parenting plans may need modifications. Know that seeking personalized legal guidance accordingly is always an option.