2. A graduate of the University of San Francisco
Law School, Arlene Kock brings over three
decades of experience to her California legal
practice. Counseling clients primarily in all
aspects of family law , she has been
commended by and is highly respected by her
peers and the professional community. Over
time and from years of experience, Arlene Kock
has developed effective guidelines for making
the most of a child’s visit with the non-custodial
parent.

3. Planning is essential to the success of non-custodial
parent and child visits. For activities
that require reservations or tickets, details
should be taken care of well beforehand to
avoid having to disappoint the child if the
activity is closed or sold out. Visitation activities
need not be elaborate or costly - often, the
nearest large park can be a place to enjoy time
together.

4. These parent-child visits are not just for special
activities, though, but can incorporate all sorts
of family time. For example, assisting with the
grocery shopping and helping prepare a meal
are normal, everyday activities that bring a
family together and can be used to demonstrate
good parenting skills. Children should also
witness the non-custodial parent displaying
skills like keeping his or her word and refraining
from unreasonable promises.

5. Finally, non-custodial parents should avoid
manipulative or “spying” behavior. Some
parents interrogate their children about the
activities and behavior of the other parent,
which can lead to emotional problems for the
child. Parents should respect each other’s
privacy by not initiating such conversations, and
they should gently discourage a child who
attempts to steer talk in that direction.