The weekend dad. You’ve seen him before. He’s the guy pushing a stroller through the park on a Saturday morning or playing catch in the front yard with his kids. He’s got a bunch of energy, is always up for a game of tag and can make a pretty mean PB&J. He seems like he’s got everything figured out – except that he only gets to see his kids every other weekend.

Myth #1. All dads only get the weekends

Truth: One of the most common misconceptions about parenting time is that dads only get weekends with their kids. This simply isn't true. While it's true that in many cases weekends are the only time dads have with their kids, there are also plenty of instances where dads have weekdays off from work or other obligations and can spend quality time with their kids then.

Myth #2. Dads only get the weekends because they work all week long.

Truth: While it’s true that many dads do work full-time, that's not the reason that they have weekend parenting. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, fathers who don’t live with their children are more likely to have more flexible work arrangements than those who do live with their children. This means that dads who don’t live with their kids often have more control over when they work and can use that flexibility to schedule time with their kids.

Myth #3. Dads who have weekends don’t do much parenting during the week.

Truth: Just because dads don’t have their kids living with them doesn’t mean they aren’t involved in their lives during the week. In fact, fathers who don’t live with their children are just as likely as fathers who do live with their children to say they talk to their child every day, take them to doctor appointments and help out with homework, according to the U.S Census Bureau.

Myth #4. The Courts never grant more than weekend parenting to a dad

Truth: That was true....when I was in Kindergarten. Now, parenting time can be arranged to fit each family's individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to parenting time arrangements. The Courts are aware that both parents have a special and unique role to play in their child's life.

The truth is that parenting arrangements can be customized to fit each family's individual needs - especially when you and the other parent are the ones making the decisions, which only happens if you can work through what is best for your child and agree to not litigate. If you and your child's other parent can (or have) and are ready to make it official, reach out to my office. You can call me or reach out through my website.