Practical information, not legal advice. Every family’s circumstances are different; no schedule or organisational approach suits everyone.

Start with parenting days and changeovers

Add the parenting pattern using actual dates and check a full cycle. Put changeover times and locations beside the relevant day. Make it clear whether an entry describes an overnight, a pickup or an event; these are different pieces of information.

If you are still working through the structure, begin with co-parenting schedule examples and the schedule planning checklist.

Add the commitments that shape the week

  • School and daycare: term dates, closures, early finishes and school events.
  • Appointments: time, place, transport and necessary preparation.
  • Activities: regular sessions, special events and equipment.
  • Holidays: school breaks, public holidays and agreed travel.
  • Important dates: birthdays and other family occasions.

Use clear labels, such as “School concert — arrive 5:30 pm”, rather than “school thing”. Record only the information needed for that event, and keep sensitive records in an appropriate place.

Use a consistent event checklist

For each entry, check the date and start time, end time if relevant, location, who handles transport and any preparation. For travel, confirm which time zone applies. If an appointment is rescheduled, update the old entry so two conflicting times do not remain visible.

Keep requests separate from confirmed plans

A proposed change is not yet an agreed change. Communicate the affected date and proposed alternative, then update the calendar once it is confirmed. Keep the conversation available so the context can be revisited.

A calendar helps organise information; it does not resolve disagreements or establish the legal effect of an arrangement. Follow the communication and safety arrangements appropriate to your circumstances.

Review the next few weeks together

Check the calendar before a new school term, holiday period or change in work routine. Look for clashes between changeovers, activities and travel. Confirm who has the equipment or documents needed for each event.

Our school holiday guide helps with exceptions. For events with shared costs, keep details alongside your expense records.

Bring the details into SplitParent

SplitParent’s shared calendar and parenting schedules organise custody schedules, events, requests and changes. Child profiles, messages and records give related information a place of its own.