CHILDREN BENEFIT WHEN PARENTS:

1. Initiate the child's contact with the other parent on a regular basis by phone, letter, audio and videotapes, e-mail and other forms of communication.

2. Maintain predictable schedules.

3. Are prompt and have children ready at exchange time.

4. Avoid any communication that may lead to conflict at exchange time.

5. Ensure smooth transitions by assuring the children that they support their relationship with the other parent and trust the other's parenting skills.

6. Allow the children to carry "important" items such as clothing, toys and security blankets with them between the parents' homes.

7. Follow similar routines for mealtime, bedtime and homework time.

8. Handle rules and discipline in similar ways.

9. Support contact with grandparents and other extended family so the children do not experience a sense of loss.

10.  Are flexible so the child can take advantage of opportunities to participate in special family celebrations or events.

11.  Give as much advance notice as possible to the other parent about special occasions.

12.  Provide an itinerary of travel dates, destination and places where the child or parent can be reached when on vacation.

13.  Establish a workable, "business-like" method of communication.

14.  Plan their vacations around the child's regularly scheduled activities.