There is strong evidence to support the idea that children benefit greatly when both parents are positively involved and spend quality time with them. This is why some of the most contentious issues in family law revolve around decision-making and parenting time.
It’s Not Just About Time — It’s About Experience
However, research suggests that it’s not merely the amount of time spent with a parent that leads to positive outcomes—it’s the quality of the experiences shared. Courts and experts increasingly recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all parenting model. The idea that a 50/50 or 60/40 split is automatically best for every child is not supported by evidence.
Instead, the focus is shifting to what arrangement will create the most meaningful and positive experiences for the child, which must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What the Statistics Tell Us
According to a 2017 Statistics Canada survey, 53% of parents shared custody of their children with an ex-spouse or partner, while 34% had sole custody. In 2019, nearly half (44%) of children with separated or divorced parents regularly saw the parent they didn’t live with.
Interestingly, age plays a role in visitation patterns—only 38% of teens aged 13 to 17 visited the non-residential parent regularly, compared to 54% of children under five.
Creating a Parenting Schedule That Works
When settling a parenting schedule, the question isn’t just how much time the children will spend with each parent, but what they will be doing during that time.
For example, if one parent is more available to take the children to their extracurricular activities like dance or karate, it might make sense for the children to stay with that parent on those nights. If both parents are equally available, then alternating or sharing the responsibilities may work best.
Tools That Can Help
Parents don’t have to navigate this alone. There are useful tools and resources available to help design a parenting schedule that puts children’s best interests first.
For instance, FamilyCounsel.ca offers a free parenting time calculator that has even been referenced in court proceedings. This tool allows parents to break down weekly schedules into 15-minute increments, allowing for highly customized time-sharing arrangements that reflect both structure and flexibility.
If you are in the process of determining a parenting schedule or revisiting an existing one, our family law lawyers are here to support you. Every family is unique, and we are committed to helping you create a plan that works for your children and supports their well-being at every stage.
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