It is important for children, especially young children, to have the emotional bonds that can only develop by spending time with parents. In general, the younger the child, the less time that should elapse without seeing both parents. The table below is based on recommendations from a variety of experts, but it should not be interpreted as a hard and fast schedule. Children develop and mature at different rates, and parents are best equipped to develop a schedule that provides their children time with both parents.
Age |
Recommended contact with both parents |
Under 1 year old | Part of each day. |
Age 1 to 2 years | Every other day. |
Age 2 to 5 years | Not more than two days without seeing each parent. |
Age 5 to 9 years | Alternate weeks, with the "off duty" parent getting a mid-week visitation for his/her off duty week. |
Over 9 years | Alternating weeks. |