Child custody battles can be hard on the parents and the children alike. It is a rough time in your life, fighting for those that you love. To make the fight easier here are some tips that I have gathered from those that I know that have been in this situation.

Cherish what time you do have with your kids. You may not get to see them often during this time, or you may have them full time. Either way, make the most of each day with them. Do a little something special each day.

Be prepared. Be prepared to answer the questions, provide proof, and for their other parent to be the nastiest person you have ever met. If something that you are thinking of doing is questionable, don't do it.

Be honest. If you feel that you are the most wonderful parent in the world, and the other parent is not say so. But be honest. Don't lie about the other parent to make them look bad or worse, to make yourself look better.

Don't discuss the details with the children. When children hit a certain age, there is no hiding from them, however the younger the children the simpler your information about the situation should be. Be upfront and honest with them, but your 3 year old does not need to know what you think of their father.

Be supportive if the other parent has visitation. Encourage the children to go, and enjoy themselves. Don't let them see you fighting them leaving, or upset that they will go for the weekend.

Continue with your daily expectations. Don't let the kids get away with murder at your house so that they hate going to the other parent's house. Hold them to the same rules that you always have. Make sure that they keep up on their school work. This can be a hard time for them as well, and as "normal" of a life as you can make it, the better your kids will feel about the transition.

Be positive. It isn't good for anyone if mom and dad mop around and are depressed all of the time. I understand that it would be hard, however when your children are around be as happy and supportive of them as you can.

Last, reserve your true thoughts of the other parent for yourself. It is never good for a child to grow up with mom calling dad names, and dad going on and on about how bad of a person mom is. That is fine that you think that way, but it will help everyone if you are civil in front of the children, no matter how hard.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Web.
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