How To Stop Extracurricular Activities From Interfering With Your Important Parenting Time With Your Kids!

How To Stop Extracurricular Activities From Interfering With Your Parenting Time With Your Kids!

If you’re like most parents, you probably as much parenting time with your children as possible.

However, there is one big problem that many parents face.

Do you know what that problem is?

The big problem is when a parent schedules extracurricular activities for their children that interferes with the other parent’s parenting time with the kids.

In Ontario, the general family law principle is that no parent should enroll a child in any extra-circular activities during the other parent’s time with the child unless they have the written consent of other parent.

In a recent case, the mother wanted to enroll her 8-year old daughter in ballet school.  However, the ballet school classes involved classes on the weekend.  This would interfere with the father’s parenting time with his daughter.

The judge explained that “There is no doubt that the [ballet] class schedule interferes with the father’s time with both children and if the father is forced to take Kalle to weekend ballet classes, his time with his other child, Liam is also impacted.”

The judge did not permit the mother to enroll her daughter in ballet since it would interfere with the father’s parenting time with his daughter on the weekends.

The one exception to this rule involves situations when the child is performing at an elite level of a sport or extracurricular activity.

In one case, the court permitted a child to move to attend school so that he could play at an elite hockey level for his age.  This interfered with the mother’s parenting time with her son.

Here’s the bottom line: A parent must consult with the other parent before they sign up their children for sports and other extracurricular activities when these activities would impact or interfere with the other parent’s parenting time with the children.

Both parents need to agree on these types of changes to avoid any problems.

If you have any questions about your separation, divorce or family law case and you would like our help, there’s a few ways to contact our office.  You can leave a message on my Facebook law office page or call me directly at 905-434-8837.  We would be happy to speak to you.

Oh, by the way, did you know you can protect your family law rights and get essential information on settling your family law issues with your former spouse with the daily indispensable family law advice and tips at my FREE Facebook group?

Click here to find out more: Durham Region Separation and Divorce Legal Support Group