Shared custody is an important part of any custody agreement, especially when you aren’t sure what emotions you will encounter. The difference between having a successful custody arrangement and a challenging one is how you handle your emotions. You will go through ups and downs and everything in between. Here are some tips for accepting the emotions of shared custody.
One of the best ways to deal with your children being in a different location is to create a plan for communication. There’s no reason you cannot still speak with your children. Set times aside to talk on the phone or have a video chat before they go to bed or when they get home from school.
There will be negative thoughts going through your mind when your children are with the other parent. You might hope they are not having a good time or you become angered when you hear stories from your children. You need to find some sort of outlet to get rid of these feelings. Take up yoga, create a journal, go for a run and even vent on the phone to your friends.
Try to make plans for you and only you for the time when your children are with their other parent. This can include binge watching a new show on the DVR, taking up a new hobby, reading a book, going dancing or even doing a little shopping for yourself.
When you acknowledge your emotions and learn how to handle them you will notice how much easier it is to deal with shared custody. It is always going to be hard to have to say goodbye to your children when they spend a weekend or week with their other parent.