A “parenting plan” is a plan for parenting a child, including defining how and when the child will visit with each parent, and how decisions affecting the child will be made by the parents. A parenting plan is usually incorporated into a final decree or decree of modification in a divorce, legal separation, or paternity case.
“Parenting functions” are those aspects of the parent-child relationship where the parent makes decisions and performs functions necessary for the care and growth of the child. Parenting functions include:
- maintaining a loving, stable, consistent, and nurturing relationship with the child;
- attending to the daily needs of the child, such as feeding, clothing, physical care, grooming, supervision, health care, day care, and engaging in other activities which are appropriate to the developmental level of the child;
- attending to the child’s educational needs, including remedial or other education essential to the best interest of the child;
- assisting the child in developing and maintaining appropriate interpersonal relationships;
- exercising appropriate judgment regarding the child’s welfare, consistent with the child’s developmental level and family social and economic circumstances; and
- providing for the financial support of the child.
Adapted from: “Purpose of Parenting Plans”
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