After the divorce, first things first: the child’s best interests
For parents, alternating children’s accommodation can work because they can plan and organise their lives according to which home their children will be living in each week. For example, it may be possible to work more during the weeks when the children live with the other parent and less when the children are at home.
«Ideally, both parents will be able to make the most of their own parenting time during their own weeks with the children.»
«At best, both parents are able to maximise their own parenting during their own weeks with their children. However, decisions should not be made in the best interests of the adults, but always in the best interests of the child,» says Leea Mattila.
However, the best post-divorce living arrangement is always a compromise.
«It is exhausting to be separated from your child half of the time as a parent and only see half of the wonderful years of growth. The child, on the other hand, has to be away from one parent or the other all the time after the divorce. But if the parents are able to work together, alternating living arrangements can be a way for the child to have as equal a relationship as possible with both parents.»
