Ending a relationship and deciding to share child custody presents unique challenges for couples who have decided that co-parenting is the best option for their children. Separate living arrangements for co-parenting partners are challenging enough. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, stress levels are at an all-time high.

While co-parenting partners already have their fair share of problems to face, the COVID-19 crisis has further increased tensions. In the midst of shifting schedules, distance learning setups, and decreased mobility because of stringent health protocols, how can co-parents relieve the tension and navigate safely during the pandemic? Here are some tips.

Prioritize Your Health By Remaining Compliant

The highly contagious nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus puts everyone at risk. Being exposed to the virus not only subjects your children to a potential health hazard, but it can also affect the time you could spend with them should you have to remain in quarantine. 

In these uncertain times, being compliant with health protocols ensures that both parents, as well as the children, remain healthy and safe. That means wiping down surfaces and objects that are frequently touched, intensive handwashing and disinfection, maintaining social distancing, and following travel guidelines. 

Communicate Openly and Consistently

Couples confronting a divorce may find difficulty in communicating with each other. That’s understandable. But when you have shared child custody, communicating should be a priority to ensure both parties remain on the same page in all aspects of raising the children, especially during the pandemic. 

Set aside any differences for now and aim to focus on the welfare of the children. Share information about each other’s whereabouts as well as any plans you might have involving the children. 

Above all, make sure to report any exposure to the virus and discuss steps that can help protect the children, such as creating a comprehensive parenting plan. If your partner is difficult to communicate with, ask your child custody attorney to mediate between both parties.

Come Up With a Comprehensive Parenting Plan

Your parenting plan contains all the information both parties will need to co-exist and co-parent effectively during the pandemic. This plan will discuss specific issues such as safety protocols, hygiene, exchange of custody, and what happens when the other party contracts the virus and tests positive for COVID-19.

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  Safety Protocols. Parents should err on the side of caution in the face of potentially contracting COVID-19. Discuss activities that are permissible to ensure their children have an improved quality of life while still remaining free from exposure to the virus. Additionally, talk about wearing safety equipment such as face masks and gloves. Maintaining social distancing is imperative, especially in public spaces.
• Exchange of Custody. With all the usual spots for exchanging custody closed during the pandemic, you will have to identify and select a new location to transfer custody of your children. 
• Education. Schools are now starting to reopen, although at limited capacities. In light of these recent developments, will your child remain homeschooled, or will they be returning to school? If they will remain homeschooled, who takes the responsibility of teaching your children? Who will take care of bringing them to school if they’ll be attending face-to-face classes, and how will they remain safe?
• Exposure to COVID-19. Despite the pandemic altering our schedules, it hasn’t affected any child custody agreements already in place. Both parents should stick to the possession schedule, even in the event of a possible or confirmed exposure to the virus. 

Be Understanding of Each Other’s Circumstances

As of the moment, the end of the pandemic is still nowhere in sight. This leaves us continually exposed to the threat of the virus, which will undoubtedly impact the circumstances of each parent. In light of these events, both parties must remain flexible, especially if drastic action is required.

Discuss whether each party is open to altering the custody agreement in special situations. For instance, if one party is constantly exposed to the virus, should the other party with less exposure be in charge of taking care of the children? If both parties are heavily exposed, should the grandparents or godparents take care of them instead? 

Additionally, talk about how everyone can communicate with each other using different platforms such as Skype, Facetime, or Zoom. This will also be a perfect time to teach each other how to use them if they’re unfamiliar with these various apps. Take the time to discuss these options to ensure that communication lines remain open at all times and the relationship with your children remains strong, despite any alterations to the custody agreement. 

Reassure Your Children

With all the challenges we are currently facing, it’s easy to forget that this situation is unique to our children, as well. With less time in school and more time at home, everyone has had to deal with life away from their friends and social activities, which can be stressful for them.

At times like these, it’s helpful to ask your children about how they are doing. Talk to them about how they feel and if they are facing any challenges dealing with this situation. But more importantly, reassure them that this, too, will come to an end and we’ll soon be living life normally again.