The Dos and Don'ts of Parent Visitation in Illinois

 Posted on June 29, 2021 in Visitation

After your divorce is finalized, it is still important for your children to have a good relationship with both parents. As such, you should try to make the best out of each visit with your kids. If you make each visit fun and productive, it will benefit everyone. Here are some dos and don'ts of visitation with your children.

Do

• Arrive on time. While being late every once in a while is one thing, frequently arriving tardy to visits with your children is not good. Show your ex and children that you respect them by coming to your visits on time. If you know you are going to be late, let your ex know immediately.

• Plan fun activities. There is nothing wrong with just chatting with your kids or watching movies during your visits. However, it is a nice gesture to plan activities sometimes. For example, you could have a picnic in the park or organize a scavenger hunt in your backyard. Partaking in various activities with your kids can help you bond more with them.

• Be flexible. In order for visitation to work for everyone, you have to be flexible sometimes. If your ex, for example, has an emergency and has to change the date of your next visit with your kids, you should be willing to compromise.

Don’t

• Speak ill of your ex in front of your kids. You may be angry with your ex, but he or she is still your kids’ parent. Badmouthing your ex in front of your children can make them feel uncomfortable and like they have to choose sides.

• Try to be your kids’ friend. If you feel guilty about the effect your divorce has had on your children, you may be tempted to be their friend and let them get away with anything. Do not do this. Your kids need a parent, so you should lay down the law when necessary.

• Refuse to communicate with your ex. If you are still angry with your ex, the thought of communicating with him or her may seem daunting. However, you should not use your children to give your ex messages. No matter how difficult it may be at first, make the effort to communicate with your ex.

Contact a Kane County Family Lawyer

If you have additional questions about visitation with your kids, you should speak to a Batavia, IL child custody attorney. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we understand that child custody matters can be confusing and want to offer our assistance. Call us at 630-409-8184 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Source: https://lifecounselingsolutions.com/2013/10/trash-talking-your-exthe-long-term-emotional-impact-for-children/