The concept of joint child custody from the perspective of kindergarten teachers in the Czech Republic

Abstract

When the family falls apart and parents can no longer live together as partners, their parent position obliges them to look for a solution which seems to be the most favourable not only for them, but also for their child or children. The joint custody, in which the parents' responsibilities are shared equally by both parents, has been utilized in the Czech Republic since 1998, but rather rarely. In this situation, joint custody is considered to be the best solution from the perspective of future development of child's relationship with both of his/her divorcing parents. Dealing with the problems connected with joint custody is not only an issue for parents and their family members. Lawyers, psychologist, doctors and social workers are taking their own stand in relation to specific cases. Especially the psychologists are the ones who provide us with empiric evidence of beneficial effect of the joint custody concept. On the other hand, teachers' voices are the least heard ones in the Czech Republic. We carried out a research in which we utilized the method of thematic writing. Seventeen written products, written by the kindergarten teachers were analysed (the length ranged from 2000 to 2500 words). The aim of this study was to reveal the teachers' view on the joint custody concept. We were also interested in the experience that the teachers had with the children who attend their schools and were in the joint custody. The teachers perceived the joint custody as beneficial, but also very difficult for people after divorce who are often in a long lasting conflict with one another. From teachers' experience, the feasibility of joint custody is fully dependent on the ability of parents to agree on bearing in mind true interests of their children.