Andrea M. and her husband initially tried alternating weeks with their daughter, but found it took an emotional toll on their 4-year-old. "I think the little ones, or at least my daughter, handle more exchanges better than long stretches without seeing the other parent," she says. The two now take her for three days each and alternate Saturdays, and they think she's much happier.
Some kids still struggle moving between houses, so it may be better to ease them into the transition. Rebeeca S. suggests giving the husband weekend custody and adding more time as the kids adjust. "It is always easier to add more days than it is to take days away," she says.
