One of the biggest issues divorcing parents must settle is how they will share time with the kids. It can often lead to bitter, drawn-out battles that benefit neither the parents nor the children.
Many courts and parents are now realizing that a more equal split can be advantageous. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. Your children get to see more of each of you
Think about it from your children’s point of view. They’re likely used to seeing a lot of both of you. To go from seeing a lot of each of you to not seeing much of one of you would come as a big shock. Divorce will be hard enough for them anyway, so you need to do what you can to reduce the impact on them.
2. You each get more time to yourself
You might not be thinking about this right now but it’s a really nice thing to have – just ask anyone who is a single parent by default. They’d probably love to have a bit more time to themselves to pursue their career, study something, meet up with friends, search for a new partner or just lie in occasionally. Yes, you are a parent, but you are also an individual. If your spouse is willing to split things then why knock it?
3. You share child-rearing responsibilities
Raising a child is a massive responsibility and sometimes it is just nice to get a second opinion on things or be able to tell your children to go and ask their dad or mom. It might be having your spouse help them with math, pick them up from ballet, or it might be something more serious such as deciding which school is best or whether they need an operation.
If you can see the benefits of sharing parenting duties more equally, consider finding out more about how to make this happen.