The 2-2-5-5 schedule is also called 5-2-2-5 or 2-2-5: it is the same rhythm, the count just starts on a different day. Each parent has fixed weekdays, and the weekend alternates. Over two weeks the children spend exactly seven days with each parent.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Handover B→A | Parent A | Handover A→B | Parent B | Handover B→A | Parent A | Parent A |
| Week 2 | Parent A | Parent A | Handover A→B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
Half coloured = handover day: the children go from one parent to the other that day.
How it works
In the example, parent A always has Monday and Tuesday, and parent B always has Wednesday and Thursday. Friday to Sunday alternates: one week parent A, the next week parent B. That creates blocks of 2, 2, 5 and 5 days.
The big advantage: the weekdays are fixed. Sports, music lessons or the regular babysitter can be with the same parent every week.
Advantages
- The children see both parents every week.
- Fixed weekdays: easy to combine with work, sports and clubs.
- The longest block is five days, shorter than with week on week off.
Disadvantages
- Four handovers per two weeks. That needs clear agreements about what goes along.
- Works best if you live close to each other and to school.
- With alternating weekends it takes some getting used to who is on when. A shared calendar helps.
Who is it for?
Often chosen for primary school children, and for parents who live close by and have fixed working days.
Variations
- Parent B has Monday and Tuesday, parent A Wednesday and Thursday: same schedule, different fixed days.
- The weekend runs from Friday after school until Monday morning (to school). Then the handover on Monday happens at school, not at the door.
The schedule in Harmoneaz
In Harmoneaz you colour in the schedule once, over one or two weeks. The app finds the handover days itself, puts them in both parents' calendars and creates a packing list for each handover day. A swap or holiday goes in as a temporary schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 2-2-5-5 and 5-2-2-5?
There is no difference in rhythm. It is the same two-week cycle; 5-2-2-5 just starts counting at the five-day block. The name 2-2-5 is also used.
Is the 2-2-5-5 schedule split equally?
Yes. Over two weeks the children spend seven days with each parent. How many nights that is depends on the handover moment you choose.
How do I set up a 2-2-5-5 schedule in Harmoneaz?
In the custody schedule wizard you choose a two-week cycle and colour in, day by day, which parent the children are with. The app finds the handover days itself and puts them in both your calendars.
Other schedules
- Week on week off: A full week with one parent, then a full week with the other. One handover a week.
- 2-2-3: Blocks of two, two and three days. Never more than three days with one parent, six handovers per two weeks.
- 70/30: The children mainly live with one parent; the other parent has every other weekend and a weekday.
- 60/40: Nearly equal: the other parent has every other weekend and a fixed weekday every week.
- Every other weekend (80/20): The children live with one parent and spend every other weekend with the other. Two handovers per two weeks.
Compare all co-parenting schedules
More information
- Dutch government: parenting plan checklist (in Dutch)
- Netherlands Youth Institute: separation (in Dutch)
This is general information, not legal advice. The split in days is an approximation: the number of nights depends on the handover moment.
