The emotional health of parental relationships largely depends on the attitudes and actions exhibited. Consider the following to best benefit the children:
- Help the child have regular contact with the other parent by phone, letter, audio and videotapes, e-mail, and other forms of communication
- Keep predictable schedules
- Are on time and have the child ready when it is time for the child to go with the other parent
- Exchange the child without arguing
- Support the relationship the child has with the other parent
- Let the child carry important items such as favorite clothes, toys, and security blankets with them between the homes
- Follow similar routines for mealtime, bedtime, and homework time
- Handle rules and discipline in similar ways
- Support contact with grandparents, step-parents, and other extended family so the child does not lose these relationships
- Are flexible so the child can take parent in special family celebrations and events
- Give as much advance notice as possible to the other parent about special occasions or necessary changes to the schedule
- Provide the other parent with travel dates, destinations, and places where the child and the parent can be reached when on vacation
- Establish workable and respectful communication with the other parent
- Plan their vacations around the regularly scheduled activities of the child