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Requesting Changes to the Residential Schedule

By developing a clear, easy way to request changes to the schedule, parents can plan more efficiently and support each other in the vicissitudes of family life.
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Karen Bonnell
Karen is a coach that has over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families facing transition, loss, stress, and change.
On December 27, 2017 | , , ,

Requesting Changes to the Residential Schedule

By developing a clear, easy way to request changes to the schedule, parents can plan more efficiently and support each other in the vicissitudes of family life.

Place schedule requests in separate emails to assist your coParent with efficient responses. Consider a subject line that’s simple and clear: “Schedule Change Request for Saturday 10/6.” In the body of the email be clear about whether you’re requesting a “trade” or asking for “coverage.” You determine how much disclosure you offer behind your request (none is required or needed)—some parents find it easier to make requests for work-related obligations over personal commitments.

Keep in mind that a schedule request is a request. Your coParent is free to answer “sure; happy to do that” or “no, that doesn’t work for me” or offer an alternative without justification or explanation. Make an effort to respond promptly to schedule change requests.