The Overton Window regarding the concept of children as property has undergone significant shifts over the centuries, greatly influencing custody decisions in courts. Here's an overview of these changes:

### Historical Perspective

1. **Ancient and Medieval Times**: In many ancient cultures, children were often regarded as the property of their parents, usually the father. This view was rooted in patriarchal societal structures. Custody decisions, if they occurred, were not about the welfare of the child but about the rights of the parents, especially the father.

2. **Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution**: With the Enlightenment and subsequent societal changes, including the Industrial Revolution, there was a gradual shift in the perception of children. The concept of childhood as a distinct and important phase of life began to emerge. Still, the idea of children as quasi-property persisted, though it began to weaken.

### 20th Century Onwards

1. **Early to Mid-20th Century**: This period saw significant changes. Child welfare started to become a societal concern, influenced by psychological research and changing social norms. The idea of children as individuals with rights began to take root, although parental authority remained strong.

2. **Late 20th Century to Present**: The concept of children's rights gained prominence. The notion of children as property became increasingly obsolete. The welfare and best interests of the child became the paramount concern in custody decisions. Laws and court rulings started to reflect this change, focusing on what would best serve the child's needs rather than strictly adhering to parental rights.

### Influence on Custody Decisions

- **Shift from Property to Welfare**: As the Overton Window shifted from viewing children as property to seeing them as individuals with rights, there was a parallel shift in custody decisions. Courts began to emphasize factors like emotional, psychological, and developmental needs.

- **Gender Roles and Custody**: Initially, custody often defaulted to fathers when children were seen more as property. However, as societal views changed, there was a period where mothers were often favored, especially for young children. Now, there's a growing emphasis on joint custody or arrangements that best serve the child's interests, irrespective of the parent's gender.

- **Child's Voice**: More recently, there's an increasing trend in many legal systems to consider the child's preferences, especially as they grow older.

### Conclusion

Over centuries, the Overton Window's shift regarding children has transformed them from being viewed as property to being recognized as individuals with their own rights. This has profoundly influenced how custody decisions are made in courts, with a current focus on the welfare and best interests of the child rather than on parental property rights.