You know that the time you spend with your children is important. You know that studies have linked it to behavior patterns, academic performance and things of this nature. After your divorce, you also know that you will have less time with the kids than you did before, so you want to make the most out of it.
How can you do it? Here are a few key tips:
- Make a schedule. If your kids are involved in sports and other activities, put all of the events you want to go to on the calendar well in advance. Make it a priority.
- Put your phone away. Turn it off if you have to. You need to really focus on the kids and connect with them, not browse social media sites while they sit in the same room.
- Do your errands when you’re not with them. You may lament the time that they spend with your ex, but you can use that time to go grocery shopping and do other things that have to get done. That way, when it’s your time with the kids, you don’t have anything else pulling you away from them.
- Do not be afraid to just relax. Eat dinner together. Play a board game. Watch a movie. Don’t feel like you always need to be out doing something to connect with the kids; that could cause you to burn out, and it could sap your energy. Just relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Consider all of these tips when you and your ex are working to figure out your parenting plan and child custody schedule.