Creating a parenting time schedule for preschoolers and young children requires special consideration. At this stage in life, children are still developing rapidly, both emotionally and cognitively, and transitions between homes can feel overwhelming if not handled thoughtfully.
Every family is unique, and every child is unique. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that you and your co-parent should embrace if you have a very young child. Instead, the right schedule – for you and for them – will uniquely support your child’s need for routine while (ideally) helping both parents remain active, consistent presences.
Time and transition considerations
For very young children, frequent contact with both parents is usually more beneficial than longer periods of separation. Schedules that allow for frequent, shorter stretches of parenting time—such as a 2-2-3 arrangement—can help children maintain a strong bond with both parents without being away from either one for too long. This structure has the child spending two days with one parent, two with the other and alternating weekends, providing a predictable rhythm with frequent transitions.
In situations where a 50/50 split isn’t workable, a 4-3 schedule or a modified weekday-weekend rotation might be a better fit. The key is to ensure that each parent has regular and meaningful time with the child. Short but consistent parenting time stretches during the week, like dinners or overnight stays, can reinforce connection even if one parent has less overall time.
Preschoolers thrive on routine, so consistency in pick-up and drop-off times, bedtime rituals and meal planning can ease the adjustment between households. It’s also helpful when parents use similar language, expectations and disciplinary approaches to minimize confusion for the child.
Flexibility is important, too. As children grow and their needs change, so should your family’s parenting schedule. What works at age three may need to be revised by age five, especially as children begin school or other regular activities. Parents should be prepared to revisit their plan periodically, ideally in a cooperative way.