Divorce is difficult for all members of a family, and it can have long-reaching consequences for the children if parents do not handle custody correctly. Fortunately, Kentucky law makes joint custody the normal decision, but each parent can also improve their relationships with the kids even when it is not their custodial time.
According to the Northern Kentucky Tribune, shared custody is a newer law in the state. In general, the court makes custody decisions based on what is best for the child, and evidence shows that spending equal time with both parents gets the best long-term results. Kentucky’s law now decreases conflict and presumes equal parenting time, even if parents have difficulty agreeing on a schedule. This law does not apply in situations of neglect or abuse.
Even though most parents now have equal parenting time, PsychCentral recommends additional actions each parent can take for even more involvement and engagement in a child’s life. One is to support their interests and take part as much as possible. It also helps for a parent to share his or her own interests, as sharing hobbies can improve leadership skills and self-esteem.
Being involved in a child’s education and extracurricular activities is also important. This may look like helping with homework, reading them books, dialoguing with teachers, coaching a child’s sports team, volunteering for school activities or attending a school play.
Travelling together can increase a child’s knowledge about other places, and it also is a great way to spend quality time together. It helps build memories for years to come. Parents should also not shy away from participating in activities that may defy the gender norm, as this can improve the bond with a child.