What subject(s) does this advice apply to?
Blending families
Communication between divorced parents
Establishing new routines

Describe the situation or problem.
Let's assume that you and your ex agreed on some basic parameters of child rearing while you were together. It is easier for all concerned if many of the basic values are the same in each household after divorce. But, what happens if the rules are different at each house?

What advice can you offer?
The terms of your divorce agreement should cover how you and your ex have agreed to handle all of the major decisions regarding your children, but you may want to spend some time talking about how to handle:
?h Bedtime/curfew
?h Homework
?h Balancing schoolwork/activities/free time
?h Rules of behavior
?h Religious education
?h Smoking/drugs and alcohol
?h Firearms
?h Driving
?h Punishment/grounding
?h Hygiene/household standards for cleanliness
If you find that there are different rules at each house, let your children know your expectations for their behavior when they are with you.

Please add any additional comments or suggestions.
It can be a valuable lesson for kids to learn that other families may have different rules than they are used to at home.

This advice is most appropriate for parents with children in...
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond