Practical guide · Updated on 7 November 2026
One week with one parent, one week with the other.
The week on, week off rhythm (or 7/7) is easy to follow, as long as the handover day and time are clearly set.
Count in blocks of seven days
Choose the first day of week A. It lasts seven days, then week B begins. The letters A and B are simply neutral markers.
Set the handover day and time
If the rotation starts on a Monday, each new week starts on a Monday. Set the time too: the free generator asks for it and shows it on the printed calendar. Agree on the handover place separately.
Plan the holidays separately
As Service Public points out, the usual rotation does not apply during the school holidays. Decisions often set out a split that changes between even and odd years, or July for one parent and August for the other, or periods of 15 days. Half each is not a default rule: check what has been decided for you. Organise the school holidays before they come round, and decide how the rotation picks up again when term starts. Parentello keeps the custody calendar and your messages in one place.
Your questions
Do I have to start on a Monday?
No. Choose the actual date your rotation begins.
Can we go by even and odd weeks?
You can, but it is risky. 2026 has 53 weeks: week 53, starting on Monday 28 December 2026, and week 1 of 2027, starting on Monday 4 January, are both odd. An even/odd rotation therefore shifts right in the middle of the Christmas holidays. A written start date avoids this trap.