Parenting schedules in divorce

1. An evenly divided schedule with alternating weeks. This schedule provides continuity within each week. It also gives each parent some parenting time on each day of the week so that one is not always doing weekdays or weekends. You can also add a midweek evening (non-overnight) with the other parent so you don’t have to go seven whole days without the kids and one parent seeing each other.

2. Every other weekend and an evening or two (non-overnight) during the week. The advantage of this schedule is that there is never more than a few days between either parent’s parenting time. The disadvantages are the possibility of disruption by having evening events during the week and the fact that this schedule is still slanted toward one parent or the other.

3. An evenly divided schedule with three days each and an alternating seventh day of the week. This is similar to the every-other-weekend setup with one or two evenings, but it provides for equal parenting time. The disadvantage is that it still bisects the school week and the weekend.

4. Time for each parent alone by themselves each month. Parents aren’t expected to be superheroes. Take care of yourselves—and spell out in your divorce agreement how you will—so that both of you will be well-rested. That way, you can bring your children your best selves.

5. Time for each parent with each child alone each month. When the family unit makes wholesale changes, it’s still important to realize that the group is made up of individuals. You can note as part of your parenting time schedule what each of those individual parenting times will be.