Once children become teenagers, updating your co-parenting plan is usually necessary. They are ready to begin scheduling their activities and may want to hang out with friends more often. Teens might start sports or other extracurricular activities as well.
Shared family calendar app
Many co-parents update their child custody plans to include the use of a shared family calendar app. This allows teenagers to add their activities to the calendar to ensure both parents know what’s going on. Because teens sometimes forget to inform both parents, using a shared family calendar app is helpful.
Consider a different time schedule
Teenagers can handle going longer periods without seeing one parent than young children. You could transition to using a weekly or bi-weekly time schedule. Teenagers are also old enough for you to begin asking about their preferences to help you and their other parents adjust the parenting plan as needed.
Increase flexibility
Both parents may want to be more flexible with the time schedule to work with their teenager’s activities. Teen years are also an important stage of development to allow children more responsibility and freedom to prepare them for adulthood. At the same time, parents must still enforce curfews and stay aware of what’s going on. Teens may face peer pressure to do drugs or other illegal acts. Parents might want to have regular discussions with their teen about these issues and why they matter. Kids are more likely to listen when both parents are on board, and they routinely hear the information.
Co-parenting plans for teenagers require more flexibility than for young children. Teens are becoming more independent and want to spend time out of the house with friends. They may have certain preferences in the time schedule as well.