Author
Tai
Parenting Apart
Tai writes Parenting Apart guides on everyday messages, shared decisions, and handovers, focusing on clear, calm ways to keep the children's needs at the centre.
Guides by Tai
Decisions
Agreeing on after school activities and clubs
Clubs and activities often fall on days in both homes. Agreeing them together, sharing the cost fairly, and planning transport keeps children able to take part.
2 min read
Schedules
Children's birthdays when parents live apart
Birthdays matter to children and to both homes. Agreeing the plan early, sharing the day fairly, and coordinating presents keeps the focus on the child.
2 min read
Communication
Separated but still living together: keeping things steady for the children
Many parents share a home for a while after deciding to separate. A few clear house rules, a steady routine, and simple money records can make that time calmer for the children.
4 min read
Schedules
How an alternating weeks custody schedule works
An alternating weeks custody schedule gives each home seven consecutive nights. Learn how it works and what to plan before using it.
2 min read
Communication
School communication for separated parents
School communication for separated parents is easier when each home receives information directly and practical details have one shared record.
2 min read
Schedules
Planning Christmas across two homes
Christmas plans are easier when they are agreed early. Decide how Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are shared, plan the rest of the break, and tell the children what to expect.
2 min read
Communication
The first month of sharing care across two homes
The first weeks of sharing care can feel overwhelming. Focusing on a few practical priorities, and leaving the rest for later, makes the early days calmer for everyone.
2 min read
Schedules
How a 2-2-3 custody schedule works
A 2-2-3 custody schedule shares a week through two short blocks and one weekend block. See how the pattern repeats across a fortnight.
2 min read
Communication
Explaining life in two homes to your children
Children cope better when they understand the plan. Clear, age appropriate explanations and a visible calendar help them feel secure in both homes.
2 min read
Schedules
Setting up a shared family calendar with the other parent
A shared family calendar gives both homes the same view of schedules, handovers, and events. Here is how to set one up and keep it useful from the first week.
2 min read
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
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
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
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
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
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