When considering middle aged children between 9 and 12 years old, there is no single living situation that works best following a separation or divorce. When considering the perfect schedule that fits the needs of the parents and the children, the following things should be taken into consideration:
- The family’s circumstances
- Their needs
- Their preferences
- Their logistics
- The nature of parent-child relationships
- The developmental and divorce research findings
- The distance between homes
- Each parent’s work schedule
- The family’s other obligations
Children between the ages of 9 and 12 will often begin to seek a bit more independence, along with a desire to spend more time with friends and less time with their family. For this reason, parenting time schedules might want to consider this tendency by allowing for some flexibility and adaptability in the living arrangement. This flexibility should also require some commitment to the living situation as well so both parents get their adequate time with their children.
Another thing that may be considered in determining the living situation is that the children may begin to become more active in school, social and extra-curricular activities, and peer involvement.
Overall, the living situation is relative and can be adjusted to best fit the needs of the entire family. To read more about how middle-aged children adjust to new living situations, click here.
Lambert Law Office is a Family Law Attorney in Vancouver WA who wants to work together with your family to help you find solutions. Click here to read more!