Just because you're divorced does not mean you or your children want to go through life without any contact with the non custodial parent. Unless in severe instances where there was abuse or some other major issue, both parents still share the responsibility of raising their children.

It is a good idea to keep the non custodial parent aware of and involved in major occurrences in the child's life. What goes on in school, health wise, in the community and religiously is important for the other parent to know about.

Both parents must realize that the decision to divorce was between them and not the children. So although mom and dad can no longer continue the marriage, they still are of utmost importance to the children.

If there is difficulty inviting the non custodial parent to family gatherings, be sure to set aside time for this parent to visit at another time.

The non custodial parent should make it a point to carry on being a parent as much as possible even though it can no longer be 24/7. Children still need the guidance of both their mother and their father after divorce.

Parent and children can keep in touch more easily these days than ever before. Through the use of cell phones, instant messaging and emailing on the Internet the non custodial parent can devote a block of time to converse with their child almost every day, even though they might not be able to physically see them much.

As the custodial parent, you must express your feelings to the other parent that you want them to be a part of your child's life even though you might not want them to be part of your life.

It is a good idea to have custody papers drawn up in court designating exact visiting circumstances. The non custodial parent is more likely to follow these rules particularly if they understand they could relinquish their visitation rights by not following them.

It is also a good idea to have child support payments directly deposited into your bank account. The non custodial parents paycheck can be attached , which means automatic child support payments can be deducted from it.

The point of keeping the non custodial parent involved is to raise well adjusted children despite the fact that the parents can no longer get along with each other. They have to both focus on the children and do what is best for them.