CUSTODY QUESTION

[MOM OF 2]

OK, I'M NOT FROM ALABAMA BUT I'M SURE SOMEONE CAN GIVE SOME ADVICE ON THIS SUBJECT:  MY 13 (SOON TO BE 14) YEAR OLD SON HAS BEEN LIVING WITH ME SINCE OUR DIVORCE.  HIS DAD NOW LIVES IN ANOTHER STATE.  WELL, THE BOY HAS EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO LIVE WITH HIS DAD; I.E, WORKS 3-DAYS ON/3 DAYS OFF, 12 HOURS PER DAY AND LIVES IN AN THEME PARK TOWN .  OK, ANYWAY, I AM TRYING TO RESOLVE MYSELF TO THE FACT THAT YES, A BOY DOES NEED HIS DAD.  SO I'VE GOT THIS GREAT IDEA AND TELL ME WHAT YA'ALL (DID I SPELL THAT RIGHT?), THINK:  HOW ABOUT HE LIVE WITH HIS DAD FOR A SCHOOL YEAR THEN LIVE WITH ME AGAIN FOR A SCHOOL YEAR, ETC.?  I WOULD APPRECIATE SINCERE OPINIONS ONLY.  THANKS!

[sport22]

As a mother of 2 children who shares joint custody with their dad and as a school teacher, I do not think this is a good idea. My children rotate between the two houses each week but the one constant in their life is their friends and teachers at school. Also, as a teacher, I have seen students who have attended our school and moved to live with the other parent for awhile. When they come back, it takes a long time for them to find where they fit in with their old friends. I think rotating each year would keep your son from forming true friendships at either place. Could he stay with his father during the school year (w/ you having visitation) and then live with you in the summer? Too bad you do not live closer together. This is just my opinion for what it is worth.

[livealittle]

Mom of 2,  I also don't think this is a good idea.  Your kids need stability and that much change that close together will not provide stability.  I agree with sport22.  Think back on your school days, wasn't the consistency of the same friends year after year a huge part of your adolescence?  Don't you remember what it was like when a "new kid" came to the school?  If you do this, your son will end up always being the "new kid".

Just a for your information.....if you use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS it is considered shouting on the internet and it is more difficult to read.