Supervised Parenting Time

Greetings,

The  phrase “supervised parenting” is a term you may or may not be familiar with, so let me take a couple of minutes to explain. Sometimes biological parents struggle with arranging parenting time for the non physical custodial parent.  If this is the case, unfortunately it can result in conflict.  It is always best for everyone if the two parties can make safe and reasonable arrangements between themselves. To do so results in a more positive relationship between both parents.

In many instances, however, this is not the case resulting in parents simply needing a little assistance with the process, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  We must realize relationships can cease for many reasons, but if children are involved there are suddenly what I will refer to as “temporary lasting ties.”  What I mean by this is there is a varrying ongoing relationship with the other biological parent that takes on more of a business interaction.  Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

If the two parties involved cannot agree to reasonable visitation for the non physical custodial parent, that’s when things can get a little tricky. The couple may reach a stalemate. This is where supervised visitation can assist you.  As a supervised parenting monitor I assist parents to ensure the other parent has visits with their child.  My role is to simply accompany the non custodial parent on their visit to ensure a healthy outcome for the child.

Are you having difficulty connecting with your child’s custodial parent for quality time with your child?  If so, there are resources that can assist you. I would suggest by starting with your school’s family life educator or social worker. Both can point you in the right direction for further assistance.  The most important thing is to act in the best interest of the child. As long as the child is safe he or she wants and needs to spend time with their other parent whether or not you want to realize it, they simply do.  While raising my son we worked out our weekends, spring breaks, and holidays. If there was ever a conflict, we simply worked that out also between ourselves.  It would have been unnatural for me to be any other way because I always felt our son deserved to have a relationship with his father regardless of our personal differences. 

I hope this helps to provide some insight and direction in arranging visitation if you need it.  Remember, your child deserves to know, spend time with, and love the other parent as long as they are safe. In the end, everyone will win.

Do you have a question or issue regarding visitation?  Please ask on this page.

Until next time, don’t forget to breathe~