| Divorced parents who share joint custody of their | | | | their problems. This will help establish a relationship |
| children face many challenges. When the child is with | | | | unique to child and parent as well as helping you to |
| the other parent there is often a feeling of missing | | | | find common interests. |
| out on important events in their child's life, a feeling | | | | - For the times when you are not the custodial |
| of lack of control and inability to influence the child's | | | | parent, make an effort to remain in contact. |
| development on a daily basis. Whilst it is difficult to | | | | Encourage your child to ring you or email you so that |
| avoid having those feelings, there are certain things | | | | you can share more of their day to day lives that |
| parents can do to maximise their positive influence | | | | you would otherwise miss. |
| and maintain good relationships. | | | | - Take photos of the special times that you share |
| - It is most important to set consistent rules and | | | | with your child and display them in your home. This |
| routines for your child when they are in your care. | | | | will help keep those happy memories in the forefront |
| Ideally, they should be similar to what the child | | | | of your mind as well as showing your child how |
| experiences with the other joint custody parent but | | | | important their time is to you. |
| if this is not practical then establish rules and | | | | - Children will generally love both parents |
| expectations that must be adhered to when in your | | | | unconditionally and will be hurt if they hear one parent |
| home. | | | | being critical of the other. If you have any joint |
| - Children feel most valued when they have their | | | | custody concerns then deal directly with the other |
| own space and are treated as family members and | | | | parent and avoid negative feedback passing through |
| not visitors or intruders. If you can, give them their | | | | your child. |
| own bed, wardrobe and bedroom so that they have | | | | Finally, joint custody should be considered a blessing |
| a space that they can call their own. | | | | and not a hindrance. Value any time that you have |
| - Use the time you have with your child to learn | | | | with your child as if it is the last and both parent and |
| about them, their interests, likes and dislikes and also | | | | child will benefit enormously. |