What is the best custody schedule for toddlers?

For toddlers, shorter separations work best. The 2-2-3 schedule or alternating every 2-3 days helps maintain strong bonds with both parents while accounting for young children's need for routine.

What is the 2-2-3 schedule?

The 2-2-3 schedule alternates every 2 days, then 3 days with the other parent. For example: Parent A gets Monday-Tuesday, Parent B gets Wednesday-Thursday, Parent A gets Friday-Sunday, then it flips the next week.

What custody schedules work for teenagers?

Teenagers often adapt well to week-on/week-off schedules or longer blocks like 2-2-5-5, as they can better handle longer separations and maintain friendships and activities.

Child Custody Schedules Explained | Smart Divorce Questions

One of the hardest parts of divorce is creating a custody schedule that works for parents and children. These are the most common custody arrangements:

Popular Custody Schedules

2-2-3 Schedule

How it works: Alternating every 2 days, then 3 days with the other parent.

Example Week:

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Parent A

Parent B

Parent A

Best For:

• Toddlers and young children
• Parents living close together
• Flexible work schedules

Challenges:

• Frequent transitions
• Complex scheduling
• School logistics

2-2-5-5 Schedule

How it works: Consistent weekday blocks with alternating weekends.

Week 1 & 2 Pattern:

Week 1: Parent A (Mon-Tue), Parent B (Wed-Thu), Parent A (Fri-Tue)

Week 2: Parent B (Wed-Thu), Parent A (Fri-Sun), Parent B (Mon-Fri)

Best For:

• School-age children
• Consistent school pickup
• Longer weekend time

Challenges:

• Unequal weekend time
• Complex pattern to remember
• Requires coordination

Week-On / Week-Off

How it works: Children alternate full weeks with each parent.

Simple Pattern:

One full week with Parent A, then one full week with Parent B, repeating throughout the year.

Best For:

• Teenagers
• Parents living far apart
• Busy family schedules

Challenges:

• Long separation periods
• Missed activities/events
• Younger kids may struggle

3-4-4-3 Schedule

How it works: Predictable weekly rhythm with longer blocks of time.

Pattern:

Parent A: 3 days, then 4 days off / Parent B: 4 days, then 3 days off (alternates each week)

Best For:

• Elementary school kids
• Predictable routine
• Less frequent exchanges

Challenges:

• Unequal time periods
• Weekend distribution
• School week splits

Age-Based Considerations

Toddlers (0-3)

• Shorter separations (2-3 days max)
• More frequent exchanges
• Consistent routines important
• Consider nap schedules
• Gradual overnights

School Age (4-12)

• Longer blocks work better
• Consider school schedules
• Account for activities
• Homework consistency
• Friend time important

Teens (13+)

• Longer blocks preferred
• Consider their input
• Work/activity schedules
• Driving logistics
• Peer relationships

Holiday Schedules

Most custody agreements include special provisions for holidays and school breaks:

Common Holiday Splits:

• Thanksgiving with one parent, Christmas with other
• Split Christmas Eve/Christmas Day
• Alternate major holidays each year
• Birthday time with each parent
• Mother's/Father's Day with respective parent

Summer Break Options:

• Split summer in half
• Longer blocks (2-4 weeks each)
• Maintain regular schedule
• Account for camps/activities
• Travel time provisions

Tips for Success

Use shared calendars and scheduling apps
Build in flexibility for special events
Keep transitions calm and positive
Pack everything the night before
Consider the children's preferences as they get older
Review and adjust schedules as needed
Communicate changes in advance

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your circumstances. See our Legal Disclaimer andAdvice Disclaimer for more information.