Parents who live separately from their child’s other parent are likely to need to conduct handovers. Regardless of whether the child is going to stay with the other parent for a few days or just go out with them for a few hours, these can sometimes prove problematic.
Co-parents who do not get on well may find plenty to argue about, and these handovers may be the only time they come face to face. The following tips can help handovers to go more smoothly.
You don’t necessarily need to discuss things face to face
Discussing your differences or concerns at handovers means you will be doing so in front of the kids. That means they might overhear things they shouldn’t or pick up on bad vibes between you, both of which could be harmful. It’s often better to keep handovers as purely transactional events and exchange only the children and their necessary possessions. You can exchange your views about matters another time when the kids are not there, and do so by phone or email if it is easier.
You don’t necessarily need to be present
Some co-parents find it hard to resist making demeaning comments about their co-parent whenever they see them or using handovers as an attempt to try and manipulate them. Others can get violent. If you know this is likely to happen, then it may be better to remove yourself from the situation altogether. Send a trusted friend or family member in your place, someone who knows how to deal with your ex. Alternatively, you could still go but take someone suitable to accompany you. In extreme cases, you could even ask the court to appoint a third party to supervise exchanges.
Those are just some of the options you could employ to ease difficult handovers of your children. Learning more can help you make the best choice for you and your kids.