If your marriage has been rough, you are probably looking forward to your divorce. Your kids may not have the same rosy outlook, however. After all, according to a licensed clinical social worker who writes for Psychology Today, divorce can cause children to develop abandonment issues and behavioral problems.
Setting up a joint managing conservatorship, commonly called joint or shared custody, may be the solution. Still, if you go this route, you may have to move the kids between two separate households at least a couple of times each week. These transitions are your custody transfers.
Why can custody transfers be contentious?
It is going to take some time for you, your ex-spouse and your children to acclimate to life after your divorce. Because custody transfers require the kids to change households, they can be a natural source of contention. Therefore, ensuring your custody transfers do not turn into nightmares may require a bit of effort.
How can you create stress-free custody transfers?
While there may be no such thing as a completely stress-free custody transfer, you can take steps to keep disagreements under control. Your approach may include each of the following:
- Sending medication, homework, security blankets and other essential items with your kids.
- Dressing your children appropriately.
- Feeding your kids before the custody transfer.
- Arriving at the transfer location on time.
- Immediately notifying your ex-spouse of any changes to your plans.
Until your children adjust to your custody transfers, you also may need to communicate frequently with them when they are with their other parent. Ultimately, though, if you form good habits early in your co-parenting relationship, future custody transfers may unfold almost effortlessly.