Parenting a baby is difficult. Parenting a baby as a divorced or separated parent is even more difficult. Create a parenting plan for your baby.
Parenting
plans play a key role in shared parenting. They may not be as easy to
create when your child is infant aged. Infant and toddler years are
those great physical and psychological development so making a
parenting plan that works specifically for your baby is important. As
you develop a parenting plan for your family, be sure to honestly
assess your situation and look at it realistically. Doing this will
help you make a plan that is most beneficial for your young child.
Young children, infants and toddlers have specific needs,that need to
be incorporated into your parenting plan. As you create a parenting
plan for your baby, consider the following:
The
baby's age and temperament. Does the baby adapt to new circumstances
and change well? Are there any special needs the baby has? Is your
baby being breastfed?
The
baby's relationship with parents and other family members. Are there
consistent visits to aunts, uncles or grandparents? Does the baby
have older siblings and do they have a close or unique relationship?
Are there any family members that babysit?
Parents'
roles in taking care of the baby. Do both parents equally share the
responsibilities of caring for the baby? Does one parent have
primary care and residence?
Parents'
work schedules and lifestyle routines. Does either parent travel as
part of their job? Do both parents work or have extremely demanding
work lives? Do both parents live in a stable home environment?
Distance
between homes and/or child care facilities. Are frequent visits
realistic? Is there a way to make a beneficial transportation and
exchange schedule?
Communication
between parents. Is a daily log about the developments and
activities of the baby being kept by each parent?
A
time schedule should be made that shows basic sleeping, waking and
feeding schedules for the baby. Also keep in consideration whether
the mother is breastfeeding. If this is the case, the father can
still have regular visits with the baby. Both parents can agree to
use formula as well as breast milk or the mother may send breast milk
with the father during his visits. A parenting plan and schedule
should be made to accommodate the baby's needs.
Babies
develop substantially between the ages of zero and 18 months so it is
important that both parents share information about development. Both
parents should keep a daily log about the baby's developments
activities. This log should include information about and changes in
eating habits, including introduction of new foods; sleeping habits;
and new skills learned like rolling over, walking or new words.
Caring
for a baby as a divorced or separated parent creates special
circumstances. Having a parenting plan that meets your baby's needs
is vital. Learn more about making an effective parenting plan for
your baby at Custody X Change.
Tracy Bensun is interested in the law and especially family law. Her main interest lies in how children are affected by divorce and child custody. She has done extensive research on her own and loves to share her knowledge. She is affiliated with Custody X Change, which is a software program designed to assist in child custody visitation schedules, agreements and parenting plans.
