Creating a parenting plan means taking what a child needs into account and getting legally-enforceable expectations in place accordingly.
Parents tend to think about major concerns when drafting parenting plans, such as the parenting time schedule and decision-making powers. While those are critical, it’s also important to consider the following “lesser” concerns that may benefit from being addressed proactively.
Electronics guidelines
Electronics, including tablets and cellphones, are a major part of life for many children and teens. This means it can quickly turn into an area of contention if parents don’t agree on basic guidelines. These should include screentime limits and rules for social media. Parental monitoring should also be discussed and agreed upon. By agreeing now, parents may provide consistency that makes it easier for the kids to follow the rules.
Haircuts and hair care guidelines
Haircuts and hair care can be a surprisingly contentious issue. Including guidelines regarding these concerns can help parents avoid disagreements. Parents should discuss and agree on the frequency of haircuts, preferred styles and how hair care will be managed. Any cultural considerations from either side should be taken into consideration when coming up with these guidelines.
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in a child’s development. Parents should include a section in their parenting plan that addresses how decisions about these activities will be made. This includes agreeing on which activities the child will participate in, how costs will be shared and who will be responsible for transportation. Having a clear plan helps to ensure that a child can enjoy a well-rounded schedule without causing unnecessary stress to their parents.
Conflict resolution methods
Conflicts are part of every parenting relationship, but they don’t have to be catastrophic. Having conflict resolution guidelines in a parenting plan can allow parents to set expectations regarding a host of strategies, such as taking a step back to cool down, going through mediation or returning to court.
Working with a legal representative who can assist with adding applicable terms to a parenting plan is beneficial for parents who have so much at stake.