Last summer Charlie's dad started a new working schedule. It meant that he had a few days off every other week in the week. And asked me to work with him in co parenting with this. I wasn't keen, because I worried about the impact this might have on Charlie's education package and how the change of routine would affect him. But, having consistent stable contact with dad is just as important so I had to weigh this up and choose it.

Charlie's dad has a family holiday booked so we decided we'd start the alternative week pattern in October after the holiday just for continuity.

It's been 5 months and unfortunately it's not been as successful as I had hoped. The transition between mine and dads is hard for Charlie and 3 days every 11 days is just not long enough for him to transition into dad's before having to come home and then transition back to me. As a result, Charlie tend to miss every other time at dads, and end up with me for 3 weeks and then dad's for 3 days and then back to me. Maybe this pattern is more reliable and comfortable for Charlie I don't know, I'm not sure. We will see how we go the next 3 months and then review over the summer.

The issue with this, is I got a bit greedy with my “new” available time to myself and booked lots of day tips - mainly with my older children, and activities in which now I have to re-evaluate because the schedule is not secure with dad. The other issue is sleep! I use the days Charlie goes to dad's for some much needed sleep!! Charlie can be awake for between 20-35 hours at a time, I'm honestly not sure how he does it!! So when he doesn't go, I end up again being sleep deprived that then impacts my life and job. Charlie's ok tho, as when he drops to sleep, he literally drops!! And has the best sleep! I know this because he tells me all about his dreams hahaha.

I don't know what the future holds in regards to the schedule. But honestly I do think it would be best for Charlie to have a full 7 days with us each and then he would only be transitioning twice a month between houses. Unfortunately this is very unlikely to happen as work schedules just don't align in a way that would make that a possibility.

It is a shame, more so for Charlie because that transition day and journey to dad's can be so difficult for him. Dad also lives 30 miles away and I think that also plays a huge factor because Charlie hates travelling! I can remember a time when 5 minutes in a car was too much! At least he tolerates the drive to dad's - but only if we go the “right” way!

We've got to be ready to change and adapt as needed.

Georgina x