The Parenting Apart blog
Practical guides for life across two homes.
Clear, calm advice on schedules, handovers, and shared costs, written for parents and carers who want day to day arrangements to feel simpler for their children.
Featured · Handovers
A handover checklist for children moving between two homes
A practical handover checklist covering belongings, school items, medicine, and the updates the other home needs, so moving between homes feels routine.
2 min read
More guides
Communication
Setting healthy boundaries around messages between two homes
Clear boundaries around messages help both parents stay informed without constant back and forth: agreed reply times, one channel, and notifications set up to suit you.
4 min read
Expenses
Budgeting for regular children's costs across two homes
Regular costs such as clubs, childcare, and school expenses are easier to share when they are budgeted in advance. Here is a simple way to agree a monthly or quarterly plan.
2 min read
Handovers
Helping children settle when they move between two homes
Children often need a little time to adjust after moving between homes. Simple routines, familiar items, and shared information can make each transition easier.
2 min read
Schedules
How to ask to change the custody schedule
Children's needs change as they grow. Here is how to propose a change to the regular custody schedule in a way the other parent can consider fairly.
2 min read
Communication
A weekly reflection habit for parents living apart
A few minutes of private reflection each week helps parents living apart notice patterns, plan calmer responses, and keep the children's needs in view.
2 min read
Decisions
Making medical decisions for your child when you live apart
Health decisions matter to both homes. Sharing information promptly, separating urgent from non urgent decisions, and agreeing treatment in writing keeps children's care consistent.
2 min read
Records
What to include in a parenting plan
A parenting plan sets out how children's care is shared between two homes. This checklist covers the topics most plans include and how to keep yours up to date.
2 min read
Schedules
How a 2-2-5-5 custody schedule works
A 2-2-5-5 custody schedule gives each home the same two weekdays every week and alternates the weekends. See the full pattern and how to test it.
4 min read
Communication
What is parallel parenting, and when does it help?
Parallel parenting means each home runs its own routine with limited, structured contact between parents. Here is how it works, when families use it, and how to keep it practical.
3 min read
Schedules
Custody schedule examples: choosing a pattern that fits your family
Compare common custody schedules, including alternating weeks, 2-2-3, 5-2-2-5, and every other weekend, and how to choose one that suits your children's ages and routines.
3 min read
Records
Keeping family records and documents in one place
Store key documents together, keep arrangements in writing as they happen, and share only what a professional needs, when they need it.
2 min read
Decisions
Making shared decisions about the children in writing
Set out what needs deciding, the options, any cost, and when a reply is needed. Then keep the replies and the outcome together so both homes know where things stand.
2 min read
Expenses
How to keep shared children's expenses clear between two homes
Agree what counts as a shared cost, record each expense with its receipt, and settle on a regular rhythm so money stays a practical topic rather than a recurring question.
2 min read
Communication
How to write practical messages about the children
Keep messages about the children short, specific, and focused on one arrangement at a time, so the other home can reply clearly and in their own time.
2 min read
Schedules
Planning school holidays across two homes
Plan school holidays early, write the dates into a shared calendar, and use a clear request process for swaps so children know where they will be.
2 min read