The emotional health of parental relationships largely depends on the attitudes and actions exhibited.  Consider the following to best benefit the children:

• Help the child have regular contact with the other parent by phone, letter, audio and videotapes, e-mail, and other forms of communication
• Keep predictable schedules
• Are on time and have the child ready when it is time for the child to go with the other parent
• Exchange the child without arguing
• Support the relationship the child has with the other parent
• Let the child carry important items such as favorite clothes, toys, and security blankets with them between the homes
• Follow similar routines for mealtime, bedtime, and homework time
• Handle rules and discipline in similar ways
• Support contact with grandparents, step-parents, and other extended family so the child does not lose these relationships
• Are flexible so the child can take parent in special family celebrations and events
• Give as much advance notice as possible to the other parent about special occasions or necessary changes to the schedule
• Provide the other parent with travel dates, destinations, and places where the child and the parent can be reached when on vacation
• Establish workable and respectful communication with the other parent
• Plan their vacations around the regularly scheduled activities of the child