Summer is an exciting time for kids. They get to sleep in, play, swim, travel and much more. With the summer season officially started, kids will be leaning on these activities heavily. However, this time can be challenging for divorced or separated parents. Co-parenting during the summer break can be stressful trying to split time between providing your child with a fun summer and ensuring both parents get quality time with their child.
Without proper planning and communication, summer break can become chaotic and overwhelm parents. This blog will provide essential tips to effectively co-parent during the summer break, ensuring your co-parenting is a cohesive experience and the summer break, fun for your child.
How do parents schedule during summer break?
There are many ways parents can schedule during the summer break. Some examples are:
- Alternating weeks where the child spends one week with the parent and the next week with the other.
- Weekends with one parent where one parent can have their child every weekend during the summer.
- Splitting time 50/50 where the child can spend half of the summer break with one parent and half with the other.
Tips to effectively co-parent during the summer
Co-parenting can make it difficult to balance schedules, priorities, and decisions regarding your child’s well-being. Summer vacation can be an especially challenging time for co-parents due to the extended time children are out of school and the desire to make summer a special experience for them.
Although co-parenting during the summer comes with its own set of challenges, effective planning and communication can make it possible for both you and your child to enjoy a fun, memorable, and stress-free summer.
Here are some tips to help you better navigate co-parenting during the summer.
Plan Ahead
At the beginning of summer, sit down with your co-parent and make plans for the summer. Review your co-parenting plan to get on the same page and remind yourselves how to divide the break itself and important dates such as holidays, summer camps, and vacations. Use this time to discuss if either part wants to plan a trip with their child our of state or abroad.
Planning helps both parents get on the same page and potentially avoid conflicts. This can also help alleviate your child’s stress knowing what they can anticipate for their summer vacation.
Vacations and child custody
Here are some common questions parents have concerning vacationing with your joint for parents who share joint custody.
- If your child custody case is still pending, can you legally travel out of state? You will need to obtain written permission from the other parent or obtain a court order if you want to travel out of state or abroad. Similarly, the other party will also need to sign the travel consent letter. Some cases have existing court orders that may prohibit a parent from taking a child out of state without the other parent’s consent. Additionally, if the other parent has expressed concern or over the safety or well-being of the child, a parent’s ability to travel out of state may be limited. Before traveling out of state with a child during a pending custody case, it’s advised to consult with a family law attorney to help guide you and review any existing court orders or agreements with you.
- Once state custody is finalized, would I need the other parent’s permission to travel out of state? In most cases, the answer is yes. You will need to gain permission from the other party in order to travel out of the state or county, especially in cases where the other parent might miss their court-ordered visitation. If you can’t get in contact with the other parent, you can ask permission from he court after you’ve shown you’ve tried to contact the other parent and received no answer. It’s important to review your custody orders as some parents include terms and/or restrictions regarding leaving the state or country with your child.
- If my co-parent is traveling with our child, what documentation should I ask for? Ask the other party to give you the general information about who will be traveling with them, where they will be staying, how you can contact them, an outline of their travel itinerary, the length of the trip, if they court-ordered visitation or custody schedule, etc.
Regular communication
When it comes to co-parenting, communication is key. This is especially true in the summer when there are many activities and events occurring. With that said, it’s important to keep your co-parent informed about your child’s activities, doctors appointments, and other important information regarding your child’s well-being. Open and frequent communication can help prevent last-minute surprises or conflicts.
Be flexible
The ability to be flexible when co-parenting during the summer is important. When plans change, try to be accommodating. Ensure both parents are aware of any changes in schedules and try to work towards a solution that works for all. Doing this will help provide your child with the best summer experience possible.
Maintain consistency
During a period of change like the summer months, providing your child with consistency is incredibly important. Establishing and maintaining consistent rules and routines between both households can help your child feel comfortable and secure. This can range from things hush as bedtimes, mealtimes, and limits to screen times. Consistency also helps prevent potential miscommunications and conflicts between co-parents.
Get ready to have fun and make memories together this summer
Summer is a joyous time. One that should be spent creating lasting memories with your child. The most important thing to do is to make your child feel loved and supported by both parents, and the best thing co-parents can do during this time is to be organized, flexible, honest, consistent, and open with one another.
Need help filing or modifying a child custody order? Contact us to get help.