It can be hard to raise your children if you have less parenting time than your ex has. As the non-custodial parent, you might feel as if your job is less important. At the law offices of Louis Wm. Martini, Jr., P.C., we understand that you want to enjoy every minute you spend with your children when you have a minimum of visiting time. We also know that you and other non-custodial parents in Pennsylvania are just as important to your children as the other parent.
You might have heard the phrase “Disneyland dad,” especially if you were accused of only having fun with your kids and not doing your share of the parenting work. This may not be true, but it can still sting, especially since nobody can say you cannot make memories with your children. However, states the National Center for Fathering, it is still important to have routines, rules and discipline, no matter how much or how little time you have with them.
This does not mean you need to stick with the exact routines and rules that your children’s other parent has. The important thing is for your kids to understand that there are rules at both parents’ houses, which they should be expected to follow. If you only have your children on weekends or a few days a month, you may simplify this structure by setting mealtimes and bedtime, and by having your children do chores and homework. This should still give you sufficient time to have fun with your children and create lifelong memories.
It is not easy to co-parent after a divorce, which our page on child custody explains. However, by cooperating with your ex as much as possible, you may both appreciate each other more and your children will benefit from your efforts.
For more information, contact Louis Wm. Martini, attorney at law.