It’s never easy when your parenting routine gets disrupted, but it can be especially challenging when school closures in Illinois or other schedule changes occur, and you have to co-parent. Suddenly, you must figure out how to share custody of your child and adhere to a new schedule. This can be stressful and frustrating for both parents and children. Fortunately, you can successfully navigate these trying moments and still give your child the stability and support he or she needs growing up.
Adhere to your original parenting plan as much as possible
Most parents are inclined toward adjusting their parenting plans whenever an unexpected change occurs. However, this is not always the best idea, especially if the change is only temporary. If you can stick to your existing parenting plan as much as possible, it will help reduce stress for everyone involved.
Communicate with your co-parent early and often
It’s important to communicate with your co-parent immediately when a change occurs that might affect the parenting schedule. This way, you can work together to devise a plan that works for everyone. If possible, try to put any changes in writing, so there is no confusion later.
Be flexible when possible
Sometimes, being inflexible can make a difficult situation even worse. If you can be flexible with your co-parent, it can go a long way toward making the transition smoother for everyone. For example, if your child’s school closes unexpectedly, and you need to find childcare, consider letting your co-parent take on that responsibility for a few days.
If you find yourself struggling to deal with a change in your parenting schedule, there are avenues you can take to get the help that you need, like involving a mediator or arbitrator to resolve the conundrum. Regardless of your circumstances, your child’s best interest should always be at the forefront of any decisions you make. With that in mind, it is possible to navigate these types of changes while co-parenting successfully.
