Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines: Understanding Parenting Time for Children 3 and Older

Introduction

Parenting time arrangements play a crucial role in maintaining strong relationships between children and both parents after separation or divorce. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide a structured framework to ensure that children maintain consistent and meaningful contact with both parents. This guide focuses on the parenting time schedule for children ages 3 and older, including regular parenting time, extended parenting time, and considerations for adolescents and teenagers.

Regular Parenting Time for Children 3 Years and Older

1. Standard Parenting Time Schedule

For children aged 3 and older, Indiana’s guidelines outline a standard parenting time schedule for the noncustodial parent:

• Alternating Weekends: Parenting time from Friday at 6:00 P.M. until Sunday at 6:00 P.M. (subject to parental schedules and flexibility).

• One Mid-Week Visit: A four-hour visit once per week, preferably mid-week, with the child returning no later than 9:00 P.M.

• Holiday Parenting Time: Parenting time on all scheduled holidays, as outlined in the guidelines.

2. Special Considerations for Mid-Week Parenting Time

• If the distance between parents' homes allows, the mid-week visit may be extended to an overnight stay.

• In such cases, the noncustodial parent assumes responsibility for feeding the child and getting them to school or daycare the following day.

Extended Parenting Time for Children 3 Through 4 Years Old

For children ages 3 to 4, the noncustodial parent is entitled to up to four (4) non-consecutive weeks of extended parenting time per year:

• Each parenting time period begins on Sunday at 6:00 P.M. and ends the following Sunday at 6:00 P.M.

• The noncustodial parent must provide 60 days’ notice before using a specific week.

Extended Parenting Time for Children 5 and Older

For children age 5 and older, extended parenting time increases, ensuring that both parents maintain substantial involvement in the child’s life:

• One-Half of Summer Vacation: The summer vacation period begins the day after school ends and ends the day before school resumes.

• Parenting time may be consecutive or split into two (2) segments.

• The noncustodial parent must notify the custodial parent by April 1 each year of their selected summer parenting time.

• If notice is not provided, the custodial parent makes the selection and informs the noncustodial parent.

1. Parenting Time for Year-Round or Balanced Calendars

If the child attends a school with a year-round or balanced calendar, the noncustodial parent’s extended parenting time is adjusted:

• One-half of Fall and Spring school breaks

• Unless parents agree otherwise, the noncustodial parent will have the first half of the break in odd years and the second half in even years.

• The first half begins two hours after school dismisses, and the second half ends at 6:00 P.M. the evening before school resumes.

2. Parenting Time During Extended Summer Periods

When the noncustodial parent has parenting time for more than two (2) consecutive weeks, the custodial parent retains their regular parenting time schedule, including:

• Alternating weekends

• Mid-week parenting time

Similarly, when the custodial parent has the child for more than two consecutive weeks, the noncustodial parent’s alternating weekend and mid-week visits continue unless impractical due to travel.

3. Impact of Summer School

If a child attends summer school, the parent exercising parenting time during that period is responsible for ensuring the child’s attendance and transportation.

Parenting Time for Adolescents and Teenagers

As children grow older, their needs and schedules change. The guidelines emphasize that teenagers need both parents, and parents should support their child’s independence while ensuring quality time together.

1. Standard Parenting Time for Teens

• Alternating weekends, holiday schedules, and extended summer parenting time still apply.

• Parents should remain available for conversation, activities, and skill development to help their teenager transition into adulthood.

2. Helping Teenagers Maintain Family Connections

• Parents should encourage time with siblings to strengthen family bonds.

• Maintaining worthwhile activities with parents helps teens develop positive values and self-identity.

• Encouraging time with good friends while maintaining clear rules agreed upon by both parents helps balance independence with responsibility.

3. Decision-Making and Parenting a Teenager

As teenagers seek more independence, parents must make important decisions about what freedoms to allow. Key principles include:

✅ Parents must avoid using the teenager as a decision-maker when they cannot agree.
✅ Teens should be involved in decision-making only when parents agree it is valuable.
✅ Parents should maintain clear and consistent rules across both households.
✅ Good decisions should lead to greater freedoms, while poor choices may warrant restrictions.

Final Thoughts: Making Parenting Time Work

1. Flexibility is Key

Parenting plans should adapt as the child matures. A 13-year-old’s needs differ from those of a 17-year-old. Parents should be prepared to adjust schedules while maintaining regular involvement in the child’s life.

2. Respecting Different Household Rules

When parents live apart, household rules may differ. Instead of seeing these differences as conflicts, parents should help children adapt to different expectations in each home.

3. Balancing Activities with Parenting Time

A child’s activities—sports, academics, and social events—should be considered when scheduling parenting time. Adjustments may be necessary to ensure the child can maintain their commitments while spending meaningful time with both parents.

Conclusion

The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines ensure that children maintain a strong relationship with both parents. Whether following a standard schedule, extended parenting time, or adjusting to teenage needs, these guidelines provide a structure that supports stability, consistency, and the child’s best interests.

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