How To Deal With Extra-Curricular Activities And Child Custody
Posted on: 10 July 2019
When you are divorced and you have children in extra-curricular activities, the division of custody can be a difficult road to navigate. You have to communicate and be willing to work together for the sake of the children. Here are some things you should think about when you have kids in extra-curricular activities:
Avoid Arguments
You and your former spouse should never argue in front of your children, particularly when it has to do with an activity they participate in. Your children are still adjusting to their new normal, and any fighting, especially when it involves them, is never ideal. This can lead to the child not wanting to do the activity any longer for fear it will cause fights between you.
If the two of you cannot talk about issues you have about custody and extra-curricular activities, try to find different ways to communicate. You will have to be in touch to talk about your children's events, such as schedules, game times, and the like. You can talk via text or email if necessary. Try creating a calendar online that you can both use to keep up with your children's activities. You can both add dates and times of different events so the other parent knows when to drop a child off or when to be at an event. This is a great way to avoid any miscommunication and arguments in front of your kids.
Do Not Overstep Your Boundaries
When it comes to your child's other parent, try not to overstep your boundaries. When you are co-parent, you each should have a say when it comes to involving your kids in different activities. You should not make any major decisions like this unless you have spoken to the child's other parent about it. For example, you should never sign your daughter up for an expensive travel softball league without asking the other parent if they mind. Activities like these take a lot of time and money that the other parent may not be willing or able to spend.
Instead, have a section in your custody agreement for extra-curricular activities. Make sure it is a fluid stipulation that you can adjust as your children grow up or change activities. You both need to get along as best as possible to make sure everyone is clear on their rights and responsibilities during custody and children's activities so everyone knows and agrees to what is going on.
Contact a firm, like Law Office of Faye Riva Cohen, P.C., for more help.
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