A parent should not withhold the children from the other parent or refuse to pay child support. Children should not be used as weapons to get back at the other parent. Parents should not jump to conclusions before getting all the information. Parents should follow up agreements, in writing, about vacation dates, trips to the doctor or dentist, and changes in time sharing to avoid confusion and double scheduling. Parents should negotiate with one another about changes in time sharing or responsibilities for the children that each parent will assume.
Negotiation requires giving and taking by both parents.
Parents should recognize that as children grow and develop, time sharing and parents'responsibilities may have to change to meet the changing needs of the children. Parents should not allow their past conflicts to interfere with present decisions regarding children. Parents should not make negative comments about their children, comparing them to the other parent. A parent should not expect children to take the place of the absent parent or depend on the children for emotional support. Children need to be children.