Create a parenting plan

When families go through a separation, divorce, re-marriage or a paternity action, a new set of challenges arise for parents and children. Parents must decide where children will live and how both parents will share the many elements of care. A new booklet called “We Agree: Creating a Parenting Plan” helps parents address these issues and make child-focused decisions. The booklet provides information to help parents plan schedules that fit the development and personality of their children and includes strategies that support children through these family changes. It also includes communication tools and an agreement worksheet to help parents create a plan. Some recommended strategies include the following. o Consider the unique needs of each child – write them down and share your ideas with the other parent. o Start by addressing areas in which you agree. Once you are successful in making decisions where there is common ground, you will find the more difficult decisions easier to address. o Review the plan once or twice yearly and make adjustments as children grow and circumstances change. o Some parents benefit from using a third party such as a mediator, counselor or lawyer to help them come to an agreement and to create a plan that will be accepted by the court. For more information contact the University of Minnesota Extension service at (800) 876-8636 or online at .