Deciding on a child custody agreement and fair parenting time arrangements is often time consuming and stressful. Both parents want to spend as much time as possible with the children, especially when they are young. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for the parents of small children to fail to plan for the changing needs of their children as they grow older. Spending every weekend with the non-custodial parent or having parenting time start mid-week is not much of a problem when a child is a toddler. Once a child begins attending school, things could get complicated and getting prepared for handling visitation as children age can make the transition easier on everyone involved.

Prepare for Resentment

As children grow older and begin to fully understand that the divorce means their parents are permanently separated, they may begin to grow resentful of the situation. Once the child gets older and begins attending school, the resentment will only get worse. Children who are unable to attend sleepovers and other childhood activities because they must spend time with a non-custodial parent will grow angry. As the years go on, it is not unusual for children to feel as though visitation is interfering with their school activities, social lives, school work, and even their ability to get a job. Both parents must prepare for the resentment and determine how best to handle it.

Do Not Make the Situation About You

When a child gets older and starts to complain about visitation, it is important that the parents try not to make the situation about themselves. Years after a divorce, one or both parents may harbor some deep-seeded resentment of their own. No matter how a person feels about an ex-spouse, it is vital that nothing is done to support or encourage the child’s behavior. Both parents need to be involved in the lives of their children.

Be Willing to Give Them More Control

Teenagers who are rapidly approaching adulthood may need to have more control over how parenting time and visitations are handled. Once a child has started working, is involved in more activities, and is establishing more serious relationships, he or she will want to utilize more of his or her own free time. Parents must work together to accommodate the desires of a teenager by changing the parenting time agreement. In some situations, changes to the custody agreement are necessary to protect both parents while giving their teenage children more control over their lives.

When to Contact an Attorney

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with an existing custody agreement and parenting time schedule, consulting an attorney is an option to consider. A qualified child custody attorney with experience modifying visitation agreements is often able to help create an agreement from which everyone can benefit. The attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum are able to provide you with advice concerning your unique situation. With four conveniently located offices, they are ready to provide you with full service representation. Contact their offices today by calling 678-736-7700 to schedule a confidential consultation.