What should I say in mediation for child custody?

I’ve got a child custody mediation coming up, and I want to make sure I say the right things. Anyone have advice on what I should focus on? Any tips to help the process go smoothly would be awesome!

Definitely keep it focused on what’s best for your child. Try to show you’re open to finding a fair agreement and not just fighting for more time for yourself.

Wylder said:
Definitely keep it focused on what’s best for your child. Try to show you’re open to finding a fair agreement and not just fighting for more time for yourself.

Good point, I’ll try to keep it child-focused. Anything I should avoid bringing up?

@Paden
Avoid bringing up old conflicts or blaming the other parent. It can make things tense and shift focus away from what’s best for the kid.

Come prepared with a list of things your child needs—like a stable schedule, schooling, or extracurriculars. Show how you can help provide that stability.

Mia said:
Come prepared with a list of things your child needs—like a stable schedule, schooling, or extracurriculars. Show how you can help provide that stability.

That’s smart. I hadn’t thought of making a list. Did it help you in your mediation?

@Paden
Yep! It shows you’re serious about planning for the kid’s well-being. Plus, it keeps the focus on their needs.

Stay calm, even if things get tense. It’s easy to get emotional, but being calm and reasonable goes a long way in showing you’re focused on the child.

Storm said:
Stay calm, even if things get tense. It’s easy to get emotional, but being calm and reasonable goes a long way in showing you’re focused on the child.

That’s good advice, I’ll keep that in mind. Any tips for staying calm if things get heated?

@Paden
Take a few deep breaths if you feel yourself getting worked up. It helps keep your responses clear and constructive.

Focus on compromise. Even if you don’t get exactly what you want, agreeing on a middle ground can help you both feel more satisfied with the result.

Jordan said:
Focus on compromise. Even if you don’t get exactly what you want, agreeing on a middle ground can help you both feel more satisfied with the result.

Makes sense! So it’s better to go in with a few compromises in mind?

@Paden
Exactly. Think of a few areas where you’d be okay bending a bit, and be open to hearing the other side out.

Don’t forget to bring up any concerns you have about your child’s routine or safety, but keep it factual. Emotional arguments don’t always land well in mediation.

Brandy said:
Don’t forget to bring up any concerns you have about your child’s routine or safety, but keep it factual. Emotional arguments don’t always land well in mediation.

Got it, stick to the facts. Thanks, everyone. I feel a lot more prepared!