How to Create an Effective 70/30 Parenting Plan for Your Child’s Well-being

Planning and scheduling are essential when it comes to co-parenting your child. In order to ensure your child’s well-being, it’s vital to create a parenting plan that equally considers both parents’ participation in raising the child. This is where a 70/30 parenting plan comes into the picture. In a 70/30 parenting plan, one parent has physical custody for 70% of the time, and the other parent has physical custody for 30%. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an effective 70/30 parenting plan for your child’s well-being.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Child’s Best Interests

The first and foremost step in creating an effective 70/30 parenting plan is to prioritize your child’s best interests. Your child’s well-being, safety, and happiness should be the primary focus. Consider your child’s age, temperament, and lifestyle while creating a parenting plan. Generally, it’s better to maintain consistency in your child’s routine, including their school, extra-curricular activities, and social life.

Step 2: Consider Each Parent’s Schedules and Availability

Before creating a 70/30 parenting plan, it’s also important to consider each parent’s work schedule, availability, and location. Make sure the parenting plan is practical for both parents and that it doesn’t interfere with their work or personal life. You should also take into account any changes or emergencies that may arise, such as a parent getting sick or moving to a new location.

Step 3: Determine the Parenting Time Schedule

After taking the above factors into consideration, it’s time to determine the parenting time schedule. In a 70/30 parenting plan, one parent has physical custody for 70% of the time, and the other parent has physical custody for 30%. You should also consider things like holidays, vacations, and birthdays, and how you will divide the time on these special occasions.

Step 4: Create a Communication Plan

It’s important to discuss and agree on a communication plan with your co-parent. A communication plan should include how you will communicate about your child’s wellbeing and how you will share important information about your child’s life. Maintaining open and clear communication will help to ensure that both parents are aware of what’s happening in their child’s life and can make decisions accordingly.

Step 5: Document the Parenting Plan

Once you’ve agreed on a parenting plan, document it thoroughly. The parenting plan should include all the details about the schedule, communication plan, and special arrangements like holidays and vacations. This formalizes the agreement and minimizes the chances of confusion or misunderstanding between the parents in the future.

Conclusion

A 70/30 parenting plan can be an effective way to co-parent your child post-separation or divorce. Prioritizing your child’s well-being and considering each parent’s schedule, availability, and location can help you create a practical and feasible parenting plan. Additionally, agreeing on a communication plan and documenting the parenting plan can ensure a smooth co-parenting experience. Remember, the key to a successful parenting plan is communication, respect, and flexibility.