A joint custody situation undoubtedly brings worry and stress — for the parents, to be sure, but particularly for the children involved.

Chances are, they’re going to be wondering what these new changes will bring. Questions will be burning in their mind, and their enthusiasm and possibly even school work might be affected by these worries.

Where will I live? Will I still get to see my mom/dad? How will I get to school? Will I still get to spend time with my friends? Will I still have a Christmas?

These are many of the questions your child may ask persistently. In this situation, it’s the job of the parents to ease these concerns and have a joint custody plan in place.

In this blog, part one of our series, we’re going to identify a few ways in which you can better prepare your child for a joint custody routine. Keep reading to learn more and contact the Fairell Firm for help with family law in Atlanta today.

The custody schedule is something that should have already been outlined by your parenting plan. This plan should include where and with which parent your child spends their days — from school to weekends to holidays.

Go over the plan in depth to help your child prepare for what’s in store; there’s no point in keeping secrets as to where your child will be from week to week, as this will only cause further stress.

Children benefit greatly from consistency, so keep this in mind as you develop the schedule and details. Once the routine is developed, the situation is bound to get easier.

It goes without saying that getting into the routine of a joint custody situation is going to take some time to get used to for everyone involved.

As a parent who is looking out for their child’s best interests, you can help ease the transition. When it’s time for the child to spend time with the other parent, don’t dwell or get bitter. Instead, deliver your child on time, with a positive attitude, and most importantly with love.

Doing this will help them stay in good spirits about the whole situation. Furthermore, the positivity and even advanced planning shows that both parents are still working together out of a mutual love for their child.

Your child is going to have a lot of questions that need answers over the coming weeks, months, and even years.

Help make this difficult time in their lives easier by being open, honest, and attentive to their needs. Ask what your child wants, where they want to go, and make the most out of your time together.

That means planning activities, meals, and even vacations with your little one.

In addition, make sure that they know their feelings are valid. Acknowledge that things are different, and that they are feeling sad, while also encouraging them to look at the bright side of things.

Finally, you can help prepare your child for a joint custody routine by exhibiting a positive attitude.

Your child looks up to you, after all, and will exhibit whichever behaviors you display at any given time. When you put on a brave face and lead by example, you show your child that it’s not all bad; there’s still happiness and love to be found with each parent.

Stay tuned for part two of our series, which covers ways in which you can prepare yourself for a joint custody routine. And be sure to contact The Fairell Firm for any and all family law issues in Atlanta.