When it comes to child custody, there are key principles that can promote a healthy transition and support a positive long-term relationship with your children. 

It is always recommended to seek advice from an experienced family lawyer to ensure you are fully informed of your rights and responsibilities.

1. Foster a Positive Relationship with the Other Parent

Maintaining a respectful and cordial relationship with your ex-spouse is vital. This does not necessarily mean being friends but showing respect in front of your children. 

Constant disputes and derogatory comments about the other parent can harm the child emotionally and impact your custody rights. Avoid making the child a messenger or putting them in the middle of disagreements.

2. Provide a Stable Home Environment

A stable, nurturing environment is crucial for children, especially during a divorce. This stability includes maintaining a regular routine and providing a home that meets their physical needs and promotes their emotional well-being. Courts look at the living conditions of each parent when deciding on custody arrangements, so your efforts will be duly noted.

3. Prioritize Your Child's Needs

Children's needs should always come first. This means considering their emotional, physical, and educational needs. Be actively involved in their lives - attend school functions, take them to doctor appointments, and engage in regular quality time. Courts favor parents who demonstrate consistent responsibility and engagement in their children's lives.

4. Communicate Openly with Your Children

Children need reassurance and understanding during this challenging period. Be honest, within age-appropriate boundaries, about what is happening. Encourage them to share their feelings and worries without judgment. Reinforce that both parents love them unconditionally and the divorce is not their fault.

5. Uphold Your Responsibilities

Consistently meet your responsibilities, including timely child support payments if applicable. Comply with visitation schedules and always be on time for pickups and drop-offs. Demonstrating reliability can strengthen your position in maintaining or seeking more custody rights.

6. Keep Records

Document everything related to your child's care - this can be invaluable if disputes arise later. This can include visitation schedules, expenses, important conversations with the other parent, and notable interactions with your child. Having a record can provide valuable evidence if issues arise with the other parent.

7. Seek Professional Guidance

Professionals such as therapists can support your child and you during this transition. Therapists can provide strategies to manage stress and maintain healthy relationships. Additionally, a trusted child support laywer in Calgary or somewhere local to you can guide you through the legal aspects of child custody.

8. Remain Flexible and Willing to Compromise

Understand that situations change, and flexibility is key. If your ex-spouse needs to swap weekends or change schedules occasionally, showing a willingness to compromise can reflect well on you and benefit your child.

9. Be Respectful of the Court and its Orders

Respect for the court and its orders is crucial. Always appear on time for court dates and dress appropriately. Follow all court orders related to your divorce and child custody arrangement. Ignoring or disobeying court orders can harm your case and could result in changes to the custody agreement or other legal penalties.

10. Encourage and Support Your Child's Relationship with the Other Parent

Promoting your child's relationship with the other parent is an important factor courts often consider. Encourage regular communication between your child and the other parent. Do not interfere with their visitation time, and encourage special time for them to build their relationship. 

This shows your understanding that the child's relationship with both parents is essential for their well-being.

11. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A physically and mentally healthy parent is better equipped to care for a child. This means taking care of your own needs too. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and ensure that you get enough sleep. 

If you're struggling with mental health issues, seek professional help. Your health and well-being play a significant role in your child's well-being; courts will consider this.

12. Avoid Introducing New Romantic Partners Too Soon

Introducing a new romantic partner to your child shortly after a divorce can be confusing and distressing for the child. Giving your child time to adjust to the new family dynamics is important before introducing another change. 

When you feel the time is right, gradually introduce the new partner, being sensitive to your child's feelings and reactions. Courts can consider the impact of new relationships on the child's well-being when making custody decisions.

13. Remain Involved in Your Child’s Academic and Extracurricular Life

One important aspect of child custody considerations is the degree of parental involvement in the child’s daily life. This includes their academic performance and extracurricular activities. 

By attending parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, and cheering them on at their sports games or other activities, you're showing your dedication to your child's well-being and personal growth.

14. Provide a Consistent Discipline Strategy

Parents should work together to maintain consistency in the child's discipline between both households. This approach reduces confusion and helps the child understand what behavior is expected. 

This consistency can demonstrate to courts that both parents are working together for the child's best interest, which is a key factor in custody decisions.

15. Strive for Open Communication with Your Ex-Spouse Regarding Child Rearing

Despite the differences that led to the divorce, keeping communication lines open regarding matters regarding your child is important. It can be beneficial to hold regular meetings or discussions to ensure that both parents are on the same page concerning child-rearing decisions. 

Courts will favor this cooperative approach, as it illustrates both parents' commitment to prioritizing their child’s best interests.

Your Child Should Always Come First

Remember, child custody is about what is best for the child. You can navigate this challenging time by maintaining a stable environment, positive relations, open communication, and fulfilling your responsibilities. 

Contact an experienced family lawyer to help you understand the process and work towards the best possible outcome for your children. 

With these healthy strategies, maintaining child custody can become less overwhelming, and you can focus on the most important aspect—your child's well-being.

Jennifer Bell is a mother of two and a writer for family law attorneys in the Philadelphia area.