Shared custody is best for children when all parents are willing to work hard and cooperate. Both of you should be responsible for raising the children. This ideal should be pursued if a parent's problems do not endanger the child. Develop a support network of family, friends and community resources. These can provide emotional and practical help for children during divorce and afterwards.
Grandparents can play an especially important role.
Religious organizations can help. Quality child care centers and schools can provide a nurturing, structured, predictable environment for children. Reprinted by permission.