WALK WITH CONFIDENCE

You need a lawyer. We put you first with personalized representation. Our attorneys are here to support you.

Group photo of attorneys Gary C. Angiuli, Annamarie Gulino Gentile and Stefanie Lynn DeMario

Is bonding time important when considering custody arrangement?

On Behalf of | Nov 14, 2022 | Family Law |

If you have a new baby but you and the other parent are not together,  you may be in a situation where you have to figure out parenting time. This can be a challenge since, at this point, the child is very dependent.

However, assuming the child should only be with one parent is a bad idea. Babies need to have bonding time with both parents to establish a connection that will influence their relationship in the long term.

How bonding works

Bonding occurs during the time after birth when the baby is getting to know the world around him or her. It allows the baby to understand how to interact with its parents and gives parents the chance to get to know their new little one. The act of bonding helps build a relationship where the parent and child feel safe and secure with each other. It also lays the groundwork for the child’s ability to form relationships for the rest of his or her life.

Time needed

There is no set time for how long it may take to bond with a baby. But each parent needs to have adequate access to the child to give them the chance to be there and be available. The only way to bond is to be physically together. So, restrictive parenting arrangements could rob one parent of the ability to bond properly. It also impacts the child because he or she is losing that connection. One of the reasons why employers will often give time off after the birth of a new child is because of bonding. It is an essential part of being a good parent. Parenting plans should allow for this and foster bonding for the child’s well-being.

Categories

Archives

FindLaw Network