These are common options, listed in order of the number of nights away from the primary parent. The first are for a younger child, moving down progressively as the child gets older.
A primary schedule gives the child a home base with one parent. It suits younger children, families where one parent has always done most of the weekday routine, and situations where the distance between homes makes anything else impractical.
Read them as starting points. In mediation we build the one that fits your family, which is usually one of these with something adjusted.
Shared schedules, where time is closer to equal, are set out here.
Primary schedules can flexibly work around your family's specific needs. Try to find the one that best meets your family's needs, thinking about the following, and find the right balance for your child's age, developmental stage and temperament.
On transitions.
• fewer transitions provide more stability and consistency, which helps them feel secure
• longer stretches of quality time with each parent, which supports stronger relationships
• less opportunity for conflict during handoffs, which creates a calmer environment
You can adjust the schedule over time as needs change and your child gets older. Nothing you agree now has to last forever.
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