Summer brings warmth and long-awaited breaks, yet for divorced parents, the season can also introduce custody challenges. As routines change, so do logistics regarding child care and vacation plans. Many families are already looking out to summer months and considering signing children up for camps, activities, and enrichment opportunities. Parents can take a proactive approach to help better ensure a smooth transition into the summer months. The following strategies can help.
#1: Predict potential custody complications
During summer, children are out of school, and the usual schedule may not apply. This change can lead to misunderstandings about who has the children during holidays and vacations. It can also create conflicts about travel plans, especially if they involve going out of state or country.
You can help to mitigate the risk of these frustrations by carefully reviewing the custody agreement before summer starts. The agreement likely outlines which parent gets the children for which holidays and may even spell out an exact plan for the summer months. Review these provisions before making plans for summer trips or signing kids up for camps and other opportunities.
#2: Review communication process and update if needed
You likely have at least a few months of the current custody arrangement under your belt already. Take a moment to review how its going, with a specific focus on communication. Are you able to communicate with the other parent effectively about custody changes and the children’s schedules? If not, consider some changes. There are many strategies that can help to ease this process, including:
- Shared calendars. A Google or other calendar platform can allow both parents to update to reflect the children’s schedule. This could include notification of an upcoming test or project as well as extracurricular activities and school concerts.
- Messaging apps. Need an easier way to send messages to the other parent? There’s an app for that. Our Family Wizard and 2houses are two examples of many options, both of which are touted as a way for parents to share information and preserve a clear record of communications.
Summertime offers many opportunities and the children’s schedules will likely change so they can make the most of this time away from school obligations. Open communication can help the parents better ensure the children get to take advantage of these opportunities and have a fun and memorable summer for all the right reasons.
#3: Establish a summer schedule
Although some flexibility is needed to make the most of all the opportunities that develop over the summer, having some sort of schedule in place goes a long way towards preventing many custody-related conflicts. This could include set times for summer camps, enrichment activities, and sports. Work with your co-parent to create a calendar that includes vacation times and other activities as well. Make sure to:
- Include the children in the discussions as appropriate.
- Allow for flexibility, understanding that unforeseen events may arise.
- Resolving disputes amicably.
Should disagreements occur, aim to resolve them with the children’s best interests in mind. Remember, the key to a successful co-parenting relationship is always the well-being of your children.
