Creating parenting plans that work for your children

Find stability, safety and security through well designed parenting plans  

Parenting plans provide the framework for your children's ongoing relationships with both parents after separation. Well designed arrangements prioritise children's emotional security and developmental needs while respecting both parents' important roles.  At all times safety is essential and all parenting plans are created with the best interests of the children at the core. 

Why predictable routines matter

Separation disrupts children's sense of security. Consistent arrangements for living situations, school routines, and time with each parent help restore stability during this uncertain period.

Predictability reduces anxiety and helps children adapt to their new family structure. When children know what to expect, they can focus on school, friendships, and normal development.

Age appropriate considerations

Younger children often benefit from shorter, more frequent contact with both parents to maintain strong relationships. Very young children may need time to adjust to overnight stays away from their primary home.

School age children usually prefer arrangements that align with their academic commitments and allow them to maintain friendships and activities.

Teenagers may want some input into scheduling that respects their growing independence, part time work, and social relationships.

Communication that protects children

Clear agreements about how parents will communicate helps protect children from adult conflict. This includes how you'll share information about school progress, health matters, and schedule changes.

Many families find that written communication (through apps, email, or communication books) works better than phone calls during the early stages of separation.

Building in flexibility

While consistency matters, overly rigid arrangements can create unnecessary stress. Building in ways to review and adjust plans as children grow ensures arrangements stay relevant to their changing needs.

Most successful parenting plans include agreements about how to handle schedule changes, special events, and disagreements about arrangements.

Special occasions and celebrations

Planning for birthdays, holidays, school events, and family celebrations prevents future conflicts. Many families alternate years for major holidays or find ways to split celebration periods.

The key is ensuring children can maintain meaningful traditions and relationships with both sides of their family.

Supporting ongoing relationships

Successful parenting plans recognise that children benefit from positive relationships with both parents when it's safe to do so. This means creating arrangements that don't interfere with the other parent's time or put children in positions of choosing sides.

Children thrive when they can love both parents without feeling they are betraying anyone.

Professional guidance helps

Family dispute resolution practitioners understand child development and can help you design arrangements that truly serve your children's best interests while respecting both parents' important roles. Safety and security is always paramount and all planning is done with the best interests of the children at the forefront. 

Our experienced family dispute resolution practitioners across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart specialise in creating child focused parenting arrangements through collaborative processes. Mediation can be in person or online Australia wide. Mediation may be conducted in separate rooms whether in person or in an online setting. This is called shuttle mediation and is quite often the choice of separating partners.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.