Many additional variables should be taken into account while deciding on the best arrangements for your children, including practicality and any special requirements of the child, such as healthcare issues and risks in either parent’s household. Read on to learn more about the different factors that affect parenting arrangements for children in the 0-4 age group.
1. Who does the child have a primary attachment with?
To feel comfortable, to be soothed and to develop, babies and toddlers require a primary attachment figure. Which parent or caregiver does the infant normally seek comfort from? This determines the child’s major attachment figure.
We know that an infant who is frequently taken from their primary attachment figure and is separated from them for an extended period of time will exhibit indicators of stress. Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including difficulty settling, clinginess, withdrawal and regressive behaviours like bedwetting.
When considering what is best for an infant aged 0-4 years, consider their physiological and behavioural need to maintain stable ties.
2. Is the child breastfed?
Unless the mother is capable of- and willing to produce breastmilk and the infant will accept a bottle feed, the infant is unlikely to be able to move to overnight time with the father. If your infant is still being breastfed, he or she is simply too young to be away from their mother for an overnight stay.
As a result, both parents must assess what is best for the infant in these situations and develop agreements that help the children to enjoy substantial time with the father while still allowing them to be nursed.
3. What’s your relationship with the other parent?
When parents remain focused on their infant or children, the parenting agreements will often highlight this. Take into account the following:
- Are you able to speak with your ex-partner in a pleasant and equitable manner?;
- How do you handle handovers?
- Is everything in the house in order, or has the child been subjected to tension?
- How attentive are you to the baby’s wellbeing?
- Can you both consistently maintain your child’s eating patterns, bedtime and sleep times?
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Regulations around parenting arrangements
For more information about which parenting arrangements are in the best interest of children, please see below for the most important sections of family law relating to this matter:
1. Section 60CA of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)
Section 60CA states that the child’s best interests are the primary concern and at the forefront when making a parenting order.
2. Section 60CC of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)
This deals with how a court determines what is in a child’s best interests. Further, Section 60CC(2)(a) states that the primary considerations include the ways the child benefits from having a meaningful relationship with both of their parents.
Section 60CC(2)(b) also asserts the need to protect the child from being subjected to psychological or physical harm or being exposed to neglect, abuse or family violence.
We can help you with your parenting arrangements
Your questions deserve answers and your viewpoint deserves attention so you are able to make an informed decision. Email admin@anumislegal.com.au today if you’d like to receive more information.
Contact Anumis Legal today
The correct family lawyer will help you handle your divorce division and get the best possible outcome. For you and your family, divorce may be an emotionally demanding and challenging period. Here at Anumis Legal, our experienced divorce solicitors will guide you through this tough period, while always listening attentively to you.
Above all, our experts will look out for the best interests of you and your children. So, make sure to contact our expert and friendly team today on 07 5455 6347 for more guidance and support on parenting arrangements for the 0-4 age group.
Nadine Love is a lawyer and part of “the dream team” at Anumis Legal. She completed her law degree at Southern Cross University and received the New South Wales Bar Association Prize for Evidence and Civil Litigation. In addition to her passion for family law and therapeutic jurisprudence Nadine is also a celebrated international author, personal & business coach, drama therapist and motivational mentor. Nadine’s interests encompass swimming and walking in the rainforest with golden retriever Anu, and Australian Shepherds, Lex, and Onyx. She combines her strengths of advocacy, empathy and out-of-the box problem solving to support her clients to achieve their best legal outcomes.