MamasHealth.com Home Divorce Breaking the news Children and divorce Choosing the best Lawyer Dealing with legal fees Divorce: step by step Divorce support group Ex-spouse after divorce Ex-spouse and favors Finding love after divorce First date After divorce Forgiving your Ex Frequently asked questions From Ex-spouse to friend Full Service Lawyer Helping your child cope Holidays and birthdays Holidays and divorce Living alone Managing conflict Mediation myths Mediation: pros and cons Non-Custodial Parent Parenting Plans and Mediation Protecting your child Recover from divorce Speak with respect Stop being angry Telling your child The power of dogs Unmarried/Gay and Lesbian Issues Visitations after divorce Work with your attorney Links Email Mama Arguing and your children Domestic violence Step-family relationships Dating Dating after divorce Divorce and your credit Infidelity Leave an abuser	How to Keep the Non-custodial Parent Involved by Kim Hess In some cases it is better if one parent has the children living with them. This means spending more time with the child and assuming the majority of the responsibility. This should not exclude the non-custodial parent from being involved in their child's life and upbringing.  Here are some ways to include the non-custodial parent in your child's. Encourage Your Ex Make it clear to your former spouse that you want them to continue to play a big role in your child's life.  Let your ex know they are welcome to enjoy special days like holidays and birthdays with their child. Encourage Outings If you are comfortable, encourage your ex  to take your child on special outings that may not be part of the regular visitation arrangement.  Sporting events, movies, and other activities is a great way to involve the other parent. Encourage Your Child Have your child call, email, or send text messages to their other parent at any time.  Support your child in inviting the other parent to special events such as school plays, awards ceremonies, games and tournaments, and parties. Let your child take their school work, art projects, and special awards to show to the other parent. Encourage Yourself Try to eliminate, or have a low level of hostility when dealing with your ex.  Work on cooperating with your child's other parent. Your ex will be more comfortable being involved with the child if there are few arguments and less anger between the two of you. The adjustment of having two full time parents to one custodial and one non-custodial parent is often a difficult transition for everyone involved.  Remember, the more time your child spends with the other parent, the more involved and better their relationship will be.  The benefits to the non-custodial parent being involved in your child's life means better self esteem for your child, a loving parent-child bond for your ex, and some well deserved free time for you!	Sign up for our Email Newsletter For Email Marketing you can trust
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