Summer break is an exciting time for kids, but it can be stressful for divorced parents.
When you have shared custody, you need a co-parenting plan for the summer just like you did for the school year.
Make plans before summer starts
Avoid waiting until the start of summer break to start working out a schedule for drop-offs, vacations, and other events. Get together with your co-parent to work out your schedules together. You can discuss prior engagements and availability so that you have a seamless plan.
Consider what the kids want
If you have older children, talk to them about what they want to do for the summer. You can allow them small inputs about specific weekend plans or take in their vacation ideas. Co-parents often work better when their common goal is to please the kids.
Try to be flexible
Planning is a great way to avoid scheduling issues, but it does not pay to be too rigid. Try to stay flexible. You can leave some weekends open and create a backup plan for major events in case something falls through or someone gets sick.
Make rule adjustments together
Some parents want to stick to a routine in the summer and try to keep their children on a schedule. Some like to give them more free time and let them stay up a little later. Working out summer rules together keeps everyone on the same page.
Co-parenting is rarely easy for anyone. However, you can make the most of summer for the whole family if you work together.