Planning for Parenting Time: Ohio's Guide for Parents Living Apart

Long-Distance Parenting and Relocation
AGE-SPECIFIC RECOMENDATIONS
BIRTH TO PRE-SCHOOL
This is an important time for bonding between parents and children. For
most children, the loss of a strong bond is a lifelong issue. In contrast,
building a strong bond creates a sense of belonging, encourages active
and committed parents, causes healthy adult relationships with both
genders and improves communication between parents and a growing
child. If possible, the long-distance separation should be delayed so both
parents and children can make the best use of their time together during
these formative years. If the move cannot be delayed, the schedule
should be designed to provide the most direct and frequent physical
contact between the child and both parents that time and money permit.
KINDERGARTEN TO 12 YEARS
The parties should continue to make the most of the time each parent has
with the child. The schedule should be adjusted to follow the child’s
regular school schedule. The school-year parent must sacrifice frequent
physical contact during non-school times, such as the summer and
holidays, while the non-school parent must sacrifice frequent physical
contact during the school semesters. Some schools have year-round or
modified year-round schedules that provide for more frequent or longer
breaks with the distant parent. It would assist children if parents can find
a school with such a schedule.
13 TO 15 YEARS
The parties should continue to take full advantage of the time each parent
has with the teen. The schedule should continue to follow closely the
available times from the teen’s school schedule. The distant parent may
need to accommodate the school schedule and extracurricular activities.
The school parent may need to sacrifice holiday time to offset the
parenting time lost by the distant parent. Weekend parenting time may
become more difficult during the school year because of the teen’s
involvement with school activities, work and friends. Flexibility by both
parents is critical. Parents can expect the teen to try to negotiate time
with both parents. Consider your teenager’s ideas in your decisionmaking.
Expect that some teens may want to switch hometowns for the
opportunity to get to know the other parent better. As with any schedule,
parents must make the final decision about schedules. Summer parenting
time is even more important to ensure that the distant parent and teen
have a continuing relationship. The distant parent should make every
effort to provide matching activities, summer-school classes or
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