Dr. Simpson is working on what he refers to as a progressive and evolving manual that identifies the principles of good custody management. These are the principles or guidelines that are recognized as improving the quality of life for children whose parents are raising them together but are living apart.

These principles will hopefully:

  1. Offset the negative effects of divorce on children.

  2. Make the process of co-parenting easier and more efficient.

  3. Decrease the amount of time it takes for the children to adjust to their new lifestyle.

This is referred to as a progressive and evolving manual because it is anticipated that it will never be finished. As new information is identified that improves the quality of life for children and parents of divorce, it will be added to the manual.

Right now the manual:

  1. Briefly discusses the history and frequency of ruptured homes in the United States.

  2. Discusses the effects of divorce on children.

  3. Is an introduction to the concept of Principles of Good Custody Management.

  4. Emphasizes the importance of how we prepare our children for divorce and how that sets the stage for their adjustment.

  5. Helps you know what to tell your children and what not to tell your children.

  6. Discusses the importance of developing a parenting arrangement that works for your children and the significance of visitation or parenting time within that arrangement.

Other topics currently in progress that will be added to the manual include:

  1. What to consider on behalf of your children when you introduce them to your new romantic interest or how to approach remarriage, dating, etc.

  2. How to protect, encourage, and promote the other parents' relationship with their children, and why this is important.

Dr. Simpson hopes that people who are interested in this subject will send in tips or ideas that have worked for them as parents while raising their children together but living apart. Tips and ideas will be shared will those who purchase the progressive manual promoting the principles of good custody management.

The progressive manual can be purchased by sending $15, plus $5 shipping and handling, by check or money order to Dr. James Simpson, Individual and Family Counseling, PO Box 8424, Rapid City, SD 57709-8424.

This will entitle you to the manual as it currently exists, and you will be added to our mailing list for one year. As long as your name is on our mailing list, we will send you copies of new chapters developed for the manual and any tips or ideas we might receive.

At the end of one year, you can renew your name to our membership list for $10.