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Life can throw overwhelming events at us, with divorce being high on the list. You might also be dealing with an abusive or mentally unstable ex. Either way, <\/span>children are your priority, and it’s important to understand the responsibilities of a custodial parent.<\/b><\/p>\n In addition, you’ll need to know the difference between legal and physical custody.<\/span><\/p>\n The former refers to when a parent makes major decisions about a child’s life, including education, healthcare and overall upbringing.<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, physical custody is when a child physically lives with the parent. Within those definitions there are details that are important to explore, as detailed below.<\/span><\/p>\n Children are one of the most vulnerable groups because they don’t have the financial and physical independence to choose how they live.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition, as this<\/span> overview of the Teen Brain<\/span><\/a> by the National Institute of Mental Health states, the brain is only fully developed in our mid to late 20s.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n The benefit is that a child’s brain is incredible at learning and adapting. Nevertheless, it also means that it isn’t fully equipped to regulate itself emotionally.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, that’s why the <\/span>responsibilities of a custodial parent focus on the children’s day-to-day emotional, mental and physical needs.<\/b><\/p>\n As part of this, custodial parent duties are designed to support those needs. For example, the legal responsibilities of custodial parents include providing education. Although, your moral duty is to offer the best you can without crippling yourself either.<\/span><\/p>\n Where the responsibilities of a custodial parent get more complex is <\/span>finding the right balance between deciding for the child versus letting them have a say in their well-being.<\/b><\/p>\n Naturally, age plays a part in finding that balance and every parent will constantly ask themselves that question. Although, as a custodial parent, you have a more complex environment to manage.<\/span><\/p>\n Countless studies show that emotional support from parents during our early years has a significant impact throughout our adult lives. Nevertheless, <\/span>to provide emotional support, we also need to be grounded as adults but we are also human.<\/b><\/p>\n A useful framework to guide you when implementing the responsibilities of a custodial parent is the 4S’s of Secure Attachment, Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure, as detailed by<\/span> proactiveapproaches<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to filling the custodial parent role, you also have to be aware of how switching homes between, for example, two custodial parents might impact the child and what you can do to minimize the negatives.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s anxiety and depression can also increase when they see their custodial parent and other caregiver or parent arguing. <\/b><\/p>\n Therefore, always ask yourself how to balance your custodial parent rights with what’s best for your child. In other words, <\/span>what is driving your decisions when it comes to your children? Is it your needs or are you truly prioritizing their needs?<\/b><\/p>\n The responsibilities of a custodial parent might look obvious on paper when you consider education, healthcare and living needs. Nevertheless, <\/span>emotional and mental states need a more subtle approach.<\/b><\/p>\n A good video to get you started is this interview with neuropsychiatrist and child development expert Dan Siegel:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/span>Custodial parents and their primary responsibility towards children<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
RELATED READING : <\/span>10 Pros and Cons of Getting Sole Custody of a Child<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/span>How custodial parents impact their children’s well-being and emotional state<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n