The summer is a great time for children to get a break from school and to enjoy some downtime or vacations with their family members. You may have all sorts of activities planned for you and your child or children this summer! However, if you co-parent your children with your ex, you may find that the other parent wants to spend as much time with your child as you do.
Fortunately, the summer can go smoothly with a little bit of communication and planning. This guide can help you with summer co-parenting, child custody, and a successful summer break for your entire family.
Sit Down And Make A Plan Together
Planning is the key to a smooth summer. We know that, in some instances of, it may be uncomfortable to be even in the same room as your child’s other parent, but you should still sit with the other parent in order to make a plan together. If anything, a phone call is necessary to effectively communicate all the details you can. Discuss what each of you wants to do with the child. Get dates of upcoming trips or activities that each of you have planned.
Determine what dates are set in stone and which ones can be changed. This will help you both determine when you will each have your child and what activities you can take part in. If you aren't sure what is realistic or what the proper visitation schedule should be for the summer, you may need to sit down with a family law attorney.
They can provide a lot of guidance as far as your visitation schedule is concerned. You will find that a family law attorney has experience in this area and can offer a lot of beneficial knowledge in the area of summer vacations and child custody.
Have Some Flexibility
It really is in everyone's best interests to get along. Try to have some flexibility this summer when you are co-parenting. If the other parent wants to take your child somewhere during your visitation own time, consider letting them. It may be worth it to have some flexibility in your schedule so that you can make everyone happy, including your child.
There might be a time during summer that you want to take your child to an event when it is the other parent's visitation time. By being flexible, the other parent will probably be more inclined to allow flexibility in their own visitation schedule as well.
Get Your Child’s Input
The summer really is all about making memories with your child. Get their input as to what they want to do. This will help you and the other parent determine your summer vacation schedule.
You actually might be surprised at the things your child wants to do. Keep in mind that if one parent is, for example, in the military and is gone often, that the child may want to spend a lot of the summer with this parent if they are able too. This is why it's imperative that you get your child's input before making your summer plans.
Keep In Contact With the Other Parent
Communication is important when it comes to successfully co-parenting. During the summer months, your visitation schedule may be different than what you are used too. During this time of year, it is especially important to keep in contact with the other parent.
If your vacation plans are changing, let them know. If you will be having your child for an extended period of time, it's important that you keep in contact with the other parent as well. It's good for both parents to be informed about what is going on, and to make sure that the other parent is able to talk to your child on a consistent basis.
Be Realistic About Expectations
Make sure you are realistic about your expectations during the summer months. Things won't always go as planned. You may not get to do everything you want to with your child. If you can't take part in an activity because your child is with the other parent, that's okay. The most important thing is that your child is not in the middle of arguments over summer plans so they can enjoy their time with both parents.
In conclusion, just because you are co-parenting it doesn't mean that there has to be conflict this summer. By following the above tips this summer, you can encourage communication with the other parent and create a solid summer plan. Sitting down and preparing for the summer beforehand can help keep conflict from arising and ensure your children are able to spend quality time with both of their parents.
For other questions regarding your family law questions, don’t hesitate to contact Drexler Law at (719) 259-0050.
