2-2-5-5 vs 7-7

TeddyPSmith · 2026-01-17T02:58:47+00:00

2-2-3 when they are young. 7-7 when they are older

engineered-chemistry · 2026-01-13T19:41:02+00:00

We actually both agreed 2-2-5-5 is better for us and tried multiple schedules, 2-2-3 being the hardest to work around with work. I can plan my work better every week knowing Mon/Tues every week I don’t have my kids. The transitions are good because each kid doesn’t have to go more than 5 days without seeing a parent. It works for us. That being said my kids are younger. 7-7 for older kids is probably a good idea and we may transition to that in a few years.

According-Designer15 · 2026-01-12T02:43:06+00:00

You could lose your job if you're locked into 2-2-5-5 because of the constant handoffs and unpredictable travel schedule, she's pushing for it so she can play tennis and work nights, and she's already combative and refuses to communicate about the kids' plans meanwhile you're trying to build a case for 7-7 based on what's best for the kids (11 and 13, active schedules) when the reality is it's also what keeps you employed and stable.

Here's the argument for 7-7 from the kids' perspective: fewer transitions per month (26 handoffs/year with 7-7 vs 104 with 2-2-5-5), less disruption to homework/activities/routines, reduced conflict exposure since she's combative and you'll be communicating 4x more often with 2-2-5-5, and at 11 and 13 they benefit from longer stretches in one home to settle into routines rather than bouncing every 2-3 days. The fact that she's forgetful and you're organized matters here too 2-2-5-5 requires constant coordination on gear, schedules, pickups, and if she won't communicate now it'll be a disaster when you're handing off twice as often. For your travel issue: propose a right of first refusal clause in 7-7 so if you're traveling during your week, she gets the kids first before you use backup care this shows flexibility and keeps kids with a parent. Document her refusal to communicate and her combative behavior now because it supports why minimizing handoffs protects the kids from conflict. If she argues 2-2-5-5 is "more equal time," counter with: equal time doesn't mean equal quality, and stability matters more than splitting hairs over 24 hours when both schedules are essentially 50/50.

Camping_Dad_RC · 2026-01-11T16:14:48+00:00

Currently on 2-2-5-5 and have been for the past 2-1/2 years. It’s ok, but the frequent transitions are hard on the kids and definitely obstructive for work.

Is there a current schedule? Many times things default to what is already in place.

If your kids are old enough to weigh in, maybe that’s an option.

If you have an attorney, this is a conversation best suited for them.

As with all things in family court, the best way is to focus on the best interests of the children.

Good luck man. I hope things work out for you and the kids.

natetheskate27 · 2026-01-11T14:14:25+00:00

For the first 2 years after divorce, we did 2-2-3. It was nice seeing my child so often and allowed me to do things for myself every week. However, scheduling future plans was sort of a nightmare

The past 4 years have been 7-7. It is much easier to make plans. I will say I miss my child like hell after day 3. On the flip side, I.am pretty worn out by day 7 of having my child but that's life.

Most importantly, I think 7-7 is easier for my child. He knows where he is every week and isn't constantly flipping placement during the week and during school/sports/etc. For reference, he is currently 10.

Paddle_Pedal_Puddle · 2026-01-11T14:07:14+00:00

I think 2-2-5-5 can work well with very young kids. My kids are about the same age as yours (10 and 12) and also have lots of sports and activities, and 7-7 works a lot better:

Transitions can be hard on the kids. Fewer transitions makes their lives easier. It’s what my kids hate the most. I can’t imagine if they had to switch more often.
It’s MUCH easier with the kids’ uniforms and sports equipment.
It’s much easier keeping track of the schedule.

curtdogg47 · 2026-01-11T01:40:17+00:00

We do 2-2-5-5. Kids are with their mom Monday and Tuesdays. Me Wednesday and Thursday and then alternate weekend. Which works well for me and the kids.

I think your points about work and needing to travel for work are valid. You still have to provide for the kids and yourself, so the parenting schedule needs to account for that.

Also Have you talked with your work about your situation? I remember when my ex told me she wanted a divorce. I went in and sat down with my boss. I hate bringing my personal shit into the work place, but when I knew that I might not be able to keep my personal shit from effecting my work. I made sure to schedule a meeting with my bosses to let them know what’s happening.

I glad I did because they really supported me and worked with me on scheduling and hours.

A few years later when I changed careers. I made sure to let them know what I had going on schedule wise with my kids, before they hired me. And I’m still with them because they really work well to accommodate me and kids.

DetroiterInTX · 2026-01-10T21:25:28+00:00

We did 7-7 and worked great. Argument for: less distribution for the kids. They have time to acclimate to “new” environment for the week and less impact to school.

Fawn001 · 2026-01-10T20:28:33+00:00

I have younger kids so went with a 2-2-3 split initially then a 2-5 split which is currently working.

cschoonmaker · 2026-01-10T20:01:52+00:00

We chose to NOT do a 7-7 schedule because my kids didn’t want to spend an entire week with their mother and without seeing me. We explained how it would work and they still preferred the 2-2-5 schedule. At 8 and 12 they learned the schedule faster than their mother did. And since we lived in close proximity none of their extra curricular activities were affected.

Helpful-Paramedic463 · 2026-01-10T18:54:49+00:00

Girl I'm dating now does 7-7. Both parents like it and so do the kids.

ciscokid12345 · 2026-01-10T18:07:26+00:00

I fought the 2-2-5-5 and lost against my ex. However, I ended up making it work. I switched to work from home thursday and Friday so the wednesday to friday 2 ends up being ok. She picks up late on friday so it pretty much killed all my weekend plans for the past 6 years but i’m almost done so whatever.

Big_Don-G · 2026-01-10T17:42:30+00:00

4-3-3-4

probebeta · 2026-01-10T17:32:41+00:00

If you have proof that you can lose your job because of the schedule to accommodate her tennis then make that known to her. Her leisure time is not going to carry more weight than your work, judges look for the best interest of the kid. I'd be firm but respectful, present all the facts in writing so lawyers can look at it. Hopefully she'll cave. If not show her court fees and what that would cost "both" of you. Maybe tennis can take the back seat for now 😅

Final_Minimum1443 · 2026-01-10T17:28:04+00:00

I mean I love a 7-7 schedule. I work in healthcare we have 12 hour shifts mean have to work 6 shifts in a row (think work introduced a fatigue rule no more than 3 in a row without permission.) long story short we do a 4-3 at the moment but have young children. I contemplate some schedule changes such as doing a 4-3 schedule give up weekends or a 4-3-2-5 type schedule.

ArizonaSpartan · 2026-01-10T17:13:17+00:00

I did 7-7 based on extensive research (with and w/o AI) and after reading some posts on this sub. The handoffs of a shorter duration is what put me off, plus I had some leverage to make sure my guys are still going to Boy Scouts, jiujitsu and stuff they want. YMMV. Good luck!

Title	2-2-5-5 vs 7-7
Author	TxAlive
Upvotes	10
Comments	49
Date	January 10, 2026 5:04 PM UTC (6 months ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/Divorce_Men
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/1q99cvn/2255_vs_77/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/Divorce_Men/2-2-5-5-vs-7-7.1570876 https://theredarchive.com/post/1570876

Comments