ConcernedFather
ConcernedFa... asks:
Q:
Child Custody Schedules
My wife and I are divorcing and we have a three year old daughter.  We plan on living about an hour apart from each other and both have full-time careers.  My wife wants to alternate weeks with our daughter, making the exchange every Friday evening.  This would mean our daghter going to two different daycares/preschools.  One week she would be in daycare where I live and the next in a daycare where my wife lives.  I seem to think this would be too confusing for our daughter.  Is this healthy for a three year old child?
In Topics: Children and stress
> 60 days ago

|
|

Expert

lkauffman
Aug 28, 2009
Subscribe to Expert

What the Expert Says:

Dear Concerned Father,
 
Thanks for posting your question. I know that many parents struggle over custody arrangements, and I imagine many others will learn from your post.
 
Because I don't know the specifics of your family, I can't really advise you and your wife on custody arrangements, but I can give you some things to consider:
 
As you have likely heard divorce is difficult for children because changes in the child's living arrangements, school, involvement in activities, times with friends, etc, can trigger a great deal of stress in children. High levels of stress can lead to emotional and behavioral problems in some children. Your daughter's adjustment after the divorce depends on her temperament, her resilience prior to the divorce, and the way in which you and your wife manage the divorce. You and your wife can help shore up her coping abilities by providing some continuity (dependable meal, activity, and bedtime schedules, consistency in rules in both homes, etc). Offer her choices (e.g., what to wear, eat), whenever possible so that she can feel more control in what is happening to her. Also, do whatever you can to avoid disagreements with your wife in front of her. Channel anger and frustration into conversations with a friend, therapist, or religious leader.
 
Given that continuity is so important, I would investigate strategies for providing as stable a preschool environment for your daughter as possible. Switching schools every week does sound challenging, so you and your wife should make certain that is the only arrangement possible before making that decision.
 
I have also included two articles below on helping children cope with divorce.
 
Best wishes,
 
L. Compian, Ph.D.
Child Psychologist
Education.com
Did you find this answer useful?
1
yes
0
no

Additional Answers (2)

Loddie1
Loddie1 , Parent writes:
Hello,
I think it would be confusing for your child. While it is a good thing that you two share your time equally with your child, your daughter will be exposed to a world of germs in both day cares. So you may have a very sick baby on your hands. Usually if a germ gets out in a daycare ALL the children get sick and with swine flu, this is not the best choice. I would ask your wife if you could have her on the weekends or vice verse. Stay in ONE daycare setting. I wish you luck and hope you make the right choice.
> 60 days ago

Did you find this answer useful?
2
yes
1
no
shaylia
shaylia writes:
i wouldnt think so maybe it she be every other week or even every two week so she wont get confused
> 60 days ago

Did you find this answer useful?
0
yes
1
no
Anonymous
Welcome!
Please sign in.
Not a Member? Join now!