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How Can Coronavirus Affect Parenting Plans?
As the world faces an unprecedented health crisis and schools are closed and children are staying at home, new parenting issues have come up. Parents are worried about their children who, per court orders, go back and forth between households. Some of these households may have blended families that also include other children with rotating residential schedules. Some households may be multi-generational and include family members who are immune-compromised. There may already have been travel plans made for the Spring Break.
Should you allow your child to travel? Should you allow your child to go to the other parent’s house when that parent is not observing the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines? Should you allow your child to travel to the other parent’s house when that parent’s state government has not yet declared a state-wide lockdown? Should you allow your child to go to the other parent’s house when that parent thinks this is all a political hoax? Which parent’s COVID-19 practices should be followed? Should you take your ex to court because s/he didn’t follow social distancing guidelines with your children?
This is uncharted territory for everyone, including the courts. In the interest of public health, courts have postponed hearing and trial dates and are only hearing “mission-critical” motions and cases that require emergency relief. Now is not the time to stir up conflict with your ex/ your child’s other parent.
Now is the time to be on the same page with your children. Remember, your children are also navigating these uncharted territories. Like you, they may be anxious and fearful because school is closed. They may be feeling the effects of being isolated from their friends. They may be feeling bored and confused because they are no longer following a set schedule of school activities.
Take this as an opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture. Present a united front before your children and consider – What is in the best interests of our children? Come up with a plan that protects everyone.
We are all in this together. Be mindful that safety comes first.
ZafiroLaw Can Help With Your Parenting Plan
If you need help coming up with a solution to your parenting plan issues during this Coronavirus pandemic, Contact us to schedule a phone or video consultation so we can come up with a plan.
