Accommodating Change and Unanticipated Events under the Parenting Time Guidelines 

• Inevitably, there will be times when the schedule for parenting time must be adjusted to fit an unanticipated event. Parents should be reasonable and flexible, keeping in mind the best interest of the children, as always. Any change in circumstances should be communicated well in advance, if possible. Both parents are encouraged to agree on how to make up any lost parenting time. If there is no agreement, the parent who lost time shall select the make-up time within one month of the lost time. 
• If a parent is unable to provide personal care for the child during a schedule parenting time then the parent shall provide alternate child care, or pay reasonable costs of child care cause by the failure to exercise the personal time with the child. Using the other parent under these circumstances is encouraged, although it should not affect child support, and should be done at no cost to the other parent. 
• Non-traditional work schedules require parents to be flexible and allow the parent with the varying schedule to see the children on days off.  Sometimes, the schedule cannot be anticipated. Sometimes work changes before the parties can get back into court.   It is best to attempt to work out these new schedules to give each parent the same time with the child as was provided before.
• If there is a conflict within the Guidelines themselves, here is the order of priority: 1) the  holiday schedule;  2) the  extended parenting time schedule;  and 3) the  regular schedule. This may mean that a parent loses a weekend visit because the holiday schedule gets priority. This may mean that a parent does not see the children for three consecutive weekends.  These windfalls for one parent and shortfalls for another parent even out over the year. Even still, sometimes it is hard on the children to not see the other parent for so long.    Keeping in mind the best interests of the children, the parents may want to provide extra phone calls, a night out to dinner, or some other event to  bridge the three-week gap.
• The Guidelines themselves change from time to time, which does not necessarily provide a reason to deviate from past patterns, either worked out by the parents, or ordered by the court.  The parties honor first what is in place.  If the Guidelines provide a change that is in the best interest of the children, then the parties may agree to adopt the new changes and provide an order to the court for the court’s approval.  
• Children grow up. Their lives are ever changing.  See later segments under this series for how the Guidelines specifically address parenting time for children within certain age groups.  For the purpose of this part of the series, please be reminded that every new school year, every new phase of the child’s physical, mental, and emotional development will require adjustments.  The flexible and reasonable parents recognize a unified front is best for the children. This approach to parenting remains the Golden Rule, even for parents who have split up.  Not every change in the schedule can be formalized, so if the parents adopt a consistent parenting philosophy and remain dedicated to implementing it, then the parents will be giving their children the best opportunity to succeed.