Websites Keep Divorced Or Separated Parents Informed and Minimize Conflict
A growing list of Internet-based subscription services allow parents to enter and update their child's schedule enabling each party to access the information at any time.
Thus, parents who prefer not to talk to each other can be informed of their child's schedule and keep them "on schedule" when it is their turn for visitation.
Lack of information or misinformation about children's schedules is often a great source of frustration for parents that can lead to anger, resentment, and greater deterioration of the already strained relationship between parents.
This in turn can cause negative emotional distress to the child.
Indeed, children have traditionally become the messengers of their own schedules to both parents -- creating all kinds of opportunities for finger pointing.
Hearing the angry exchanges between parents, children begin to believe that it is their fault.
The increased anxiety children feel can adversely affect their schoolwork, socialization with friends, and general happiness.
Additionally, with both parents having easy access to their child's schedule, there is less chance of missed doctor's appointments, sports practices, parent-teacher meetings, music lessons, etc.
Internet subscription services also require parents to be accountable because neither parent can claim not being told about an event if it has been entered into the program.
The date of each entry and event is electronically recorded -providing a detailed history.
Should a dispute arise, the history can be reviewed.
The most helpful of these programs can even enable parents to plan many months ahead.
This is especially helpful for scheduling business commitments, vacations, and special activities for birthdays and holidays.
Careful planning keeps everyone on track and understandably creates fewer issues for parents to fight over.
While some of these Internet services offer many bells and whistles, it is important to find one that provides only the features you need and are likely to use.
My advice is to keep it simple.
All that most parents need is scheduling, appointment reminders, two-way communication and possibly expense tracking.
Some services also offer file sharing and photo exchanging.
Find a service that has a free trial period so you can see if you like it.
Otherwise, you could sign up for a service that appeared simple but is actually complicated or cumbersome.
How do you find these services? Do a website search using the term "joint parent's calendar" to see what services are available.
One that I like because it is easy to use and has a free trial is http://www.
jointparents.
com In more than 25 years as a family law attorney, I can tell you that the conflict arising from separated and divorced parents trying to keep track of their child's schedule causes unnecessary turmoil.
If you're having trouble jointly managing your child's schedule, let an Internet-based program assist you.