Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman)’s Timeline and Summary

Joanna leaves Ted—and Billy.
Ted promises Jim that taking care of Billy won't affect his performance at work.
Ted and Billy have their first big fight, and their first big reconciliation. The longer Joanna's away, the closer they become.
Ted gradually learns Parenting 101, like what grade his son is in, how to make French Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and where in the kitchen you can find the cereal bowls
Billy falls off the jungle gym, cutting his head, and Ted runs him to the emergency room.
Joanna returns to New York and says she wants custody of Billy. Ted refuses.
Ted gets fired and is forced to find a new job within 24 hours.
Ted and Joanna go to court. Both make impassioned pleas for why they're the best parent for Billy.
Ted loses. He declines to appeal because it would mean putting Billy on the stand.
Joanna arrives to pick up Billy but realizes that Billy's home is with Ted and decides not to take Billy after all.