When one or more of a child’s parents frequently travels for work, creating a parenting time schedule that balances career responsibilities with time spent with one’s children can be particularly challenging.
Flexibility in a co-parenting arrangement is uniquely important when one parent has an unpredictable travel schedule, but children also need consistency. One way to address this reality is to create a base parenting schedule with built-in flexibility. If the traveling parent has a general idea of their work commitments, a rotating schedule can be used, where parenting time adjusts based on their availability.
For example, if one parent is home for two weeks and traveling for one, the parenting plan may grant them additional time before or after a work trip to make up for missed days. When work travel is more unpredictable, parents may agree to a priority-based schedule, where the traveling parent is given the first right to parenting time on their available days before the other parent schedules activities or commitments.
Special considerations
When in-person parenting time is not possible for any length of time due to work travel, virtual visitation can help parents and kids to maintain strong bonds. Courts – and the court of public opinion – =increasingly recognize video calls, phone calls and messaging as important ways for parents and children to stay connected. A parenting plan can include scheduled virtual check-ins, allowing the traveling parent to participate in bedtime routines, school updates or casual conversations. When a child is with their “traveling parent,” their other parent can benefit from these same kinds of arrangements to remain connected.
Co-parents should also consider how to divide holidays, school breaks and special occasions when work travel is a concern. If work commitments prevent a parent from being present for a scheduled holiday, the plan can allow for a make-up holiday on a different date. Parents may also choose to alternate holidays or split extended breaks based on travel schedules.
Ultimately, a successful parenting plan requires ongoing communication and cooperation. Using shared calendars, co-parenting apps and timely updates about work schedules can help parents adjust plans as needed. Ideally, by creating a thoughtful and adaptable parenting time schedule, parents can balance their professional obligations with their role as active and engaged parents.