Working Parent Problems

Being a single parent with a demanding career is challenging and yet rewarding. Today, both parents often work. A child can still thrive with both parents working if they have quality childcare. In a divorce, however, having a demanding career can make negotiation parenting time and childcare schedules difficult.

Demanding Careers Mean More Time

Demanding careers often require long hours and travel. You may also have little flexibility with your time off. Unfortunately, this can cause some problems if you are getting a divorce. Co-parenting is already a difficult endeavor. Even little things like exchanging your child requires cooperation and patience. Your job as co-parents may take just a little more work if you have a demanding career. But, with communication and proper planning, you can make it work. First, you and your spouse should discuss childcare. Stay at home parents or parents who have flexible work schedules may find it easier to drop everything and focus on their child when needed. You may not have that option if you have a career that requires a lot of your time. Make the childcare discussion a priority and make sure you have backup plans. Agreeing on childcare providers can ease both of your minds. Make sure you always give your spouse the option to take your child before you turn to providers. Even if it’s during your parenting time, your spouse deserves the chance to spend extra time with your child.

Strike A Balance

Co-parenting with a demanding career will take balancing time and resources.

This means it is very important you and your spouse stay on good terms. You may need to rely on your spouse in the future if you have last-minute work emergencies. You may also have to spend more time talking with your spouse about when and where to exchange your child. Consider divorce mediation if you are in this boat. Staying amicable and cooperative throughout the divorce process can help you do so in the future. Mediation can also help you develop a parenting time schedule and parenting plan that accommodates your work schedule and puts a plan B in place if your work gets in the way of your parenting time.

If you have questions about parenting time, contact Mediation Advantage Services for experienced family law help. Law Office of Polly Tatum can assist you with developing a parenting time schedule that meets your needs. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4734, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.