How do I build bonding moments when I co-parent or share custody?

Sharing custody or co-parenting can be emotionally taxing, but when purpose is the driving force, bonding is still quite feasible. When you do have time, concentrate on developing meaningful, regular routines. Emotional anchors, such as a special Friday supper, a joint walk, or a bedtime story, can make your youngster feel secure and rooted. Instead of questioning or comparing during your time together, try to be a haven. Without competing, accept their experiences from the other household with compassion and objectivity. Talk politely about the other parent or keep quiet out of respect. The youngster most needs a place free from conflicting allegiances. Give them frequent emotional validation. Recognise that ‘going back and forth is not always easy’ if transitions are difficult. Allow for happiness or despair without hurrying to correct or justify. More than time, emotional openness determines how strong your relationship is. Kids do not keep track of minutes. They recall the feelings they were given throughout those minutes.