Only getting to see your children for a short period of time can be challenging. If this is what is called for in the parenting plan, you need to make the most of it. For some parents, having a few hours in the middle of the week with the kids might seem pointless. After all, you can’t do much during that time. Unfortunately, if you go into the situation with this mindset, you might impact how your child views your relationship.
One of the first things that you need to do is to point out that you are always happy to have time with your kids, even if it is only for a few hours. Try to find something meaningful that you can do with them. This might mean taking a picnic to the park or just going out for ice cream. If you live close by, you might be able to just relax at your house for a bit.
You should remember that a solid relationship with your children isn’t based only on having long visits with them. These short visits can be just as important. Think of them as a refresher time that can help you to get to the next longer visit. Some parents choose to use these few hours to plan for their next long visit. If you do this, make sure that you only agree to things that you know you can make happen.
Throughout the process of raising the children, you will have to work with your ex. Take the time to talk about potential changes to the visitation if they become necessary. This can ensure that your children have what they need despite the divorce.