To avoid disputes, parents should schedule for as many holidays as are meaningful to the family whether religious, cultural., or national in their access plan. Parents should also include family birthdays and annual parent day celebrations. They may also experience intense longing for the absent parent. It is common for these children to fantasize that their parents will get back together. Some six to nine year-olds benefit from spending more time at one home, while others move back and forth on a regular basis with ease.
Children differ in how long they are comfortable being away from each parent.
If the child has spent considerable quality time with the parent who has access, that child may cope better with a long separation from the other parent. All scheduling should maximize parents' time off from work. If work schedules change, parents may vary access days with appropriate prior notice. They may blame one parent for the divorce, may be angry and embarrassed by the breakup of the family, and may side with one parent. Children this age often want to have a say in their living arrangements.