In this episode, Claire and Michelle talk about the very technical issue of building a parenting plan for the best interest of the child and how important it is to consider work schedules. This consideration goes beyond when parents are and are not available and extends to thinking about what type of schedule the parent works (for example, regular 9 to 5, shift-based, call-based, 14 and 14, teacher) and how much consistency and flexibility there is in that schedule. Within that, there are other considerations such as work start and stop times, whether there is a busy season, what the work itself is like, and what the time before and after work looks like (or during, if you work from home or have take-home work such as grading or charting). This conversation is based around research that supports the idea that custody is a time to bring structure into work schedules because findings point to consistent and flexible schedules being best for caregiving, affecting both the quantity and quality of time spent with children. With this, the emphasis is on being honest with the self about work schedules and being willing and able to objectively communicate that reality and the consequential needs to the attorney, other parent, boss, and co-workers.