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Whether you’ve just started to work with a North York divorce lawyer or you are already flying solo, it’s a challenge to stay on the same page with your ex when it comes to managing your children’s health in two homes. In addition to doctor visits and regular medications your kids might need to take, it’s tough to ensure that what your kids eat and how much they exercise at your house are the same when they are with your ex.
Effective Co-Parenting and Your Children’s Health
In a perfect world, you would be able to see eye-to-eye with your ex on everything from steering clear of over-processed foods to making sure daily medications are administered on time, every time. Your North York divorce lawyer will encourage you to parent collaboratively with your ex, since it’s best for the kids.
Discussion Points with Your Ex
You and your ex should sit down and establish a plan for your kids’ health as soon as you can—even if you’re already divorced. Most healthcare professionals recommend talking about:
- Medications: If your kids take regular medications, make sure both of you know the proper dosages and the times they’re supposed to take them. If they’re prescribed a new medication on either of your watches, agree to let each other know immediately.
- Foods: Kids with food intolerances, which are on the rise, often have to stick to strict diets. If the cost of non-allergenic food is an issue, your North York divorce lawyer might be able to build on your child support order if you can’t work something out between yourselves.
- Exercise: While most parents don’t insist that their kids run laps around a track, some disagree with each other when it comes to sedentary behaviours, such as sitting around playing video games for hours. You and your ex might set a limit on lounging time to ensure your kids are getting enough exercise to stay healthy.
Your North York Divorce Lawyer’s Role
You can ask your North York divorce lawyer to include stipulations in your custody agreement or parenting plan that pertain to medical care, dietary restrictions and other health-related issues. You can also use these documents to note who is responsible for bearing any health-related costs your kids’ care might incur, as well as who takes them to see a professional and when. Parents of kids who are working with a therapist or mental health specialist often include specifics in that area, as well.
If your ex refuses to comply with reasonable healthcare requests, such as taking kids to the doctor or administering medication, your North York divorce lawyer can also work for your child’s rights in court. It’s always better, however, if you and your spouse can come to a mutual agreement on your own.
