Parents are full of concerns for their children, and with good cause. Many things can potentially harm your child. This is even truer when your child is still under the age of 2 and a half. This vital time in child development is when children form close bonds with their parents and realize that a parent is a primary caretaker. During this time, children are learning how to properly trust others. As a result, extended periods of separation between the caregiver parent and the child has the potential to negatively impact the child’s development. The following will review some of the important tips that parents can follow to make visitation with young children as easy and as positive an experience as possible.
Decrease Separation Anxiety
One of the biggest challenges involved with visitations with young children is that they can experience separation anxiety. Psychologists recommend that if a child begins to experience separation anxiety, the child can be relaxed by looking at images of toys at the caregiver parent’s home as a method of coping.
Keep Visits Short
Psychologists also recommend that while children are young, it is a good idea for the children to spend time with both parents. Visitations with the noncustodial parent, however, are best kept short. This because the child’s ability to recall a mental image of the primary caregiver is extremely difficult at this age.
Anticipate Challenges with Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers are often worried about visitation schedules because they are sometimes required to pump milk. In some situations, parents might agree to use formula. If a breastfeeding mother is uneasy about visitation as a result of a child’s breastfeeding schedule, the best option is, to be honest about the cause and work toward a solution.
Consider Nesting
A growing number of parents are deciding that the nesting strategy is best for younger children visiting with the noncustodial parent. This process often involves a child remaining in the same place while being visited by both parents. By letting the child stay in the same place instead of traveling between parents’ homes, the child experiences an increased sense of stability and continuity, which can have a positive impact on development.
Stay Flexible
Custodial parents often must accept that a parenting schedule will be imperfect. There are multiple ways to raise a child and the parents can take time to figure out what arrangement works best. To begin with, it is likely best to try to keep visitations short. This way the other child has time to bond with the parent. In many cases, it will be some time before the child spends nights over anywhere but the primary residence. Hopefully, parents will be able to reach an arrangement on their own, but if necessary, a court can also be helpful in these situations.
Speak with an Experienced Family Law Attorney
If you and your child’s other parent have decided to end your relationship, there are likely many difficult issues to work through, including what visitation schedule works best. In these situations, a skilled family law attorney can help. Contact Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. today.