Summer Break & Child Custody: Tips for Co-Parents

Making the Most of Your Parenting Time During Summer Visits

Summer break brings a welcome change of pace for children, but for parents, it can raise questions about childcare and maximizing quality time. Read on to learn how to make the most of your parenting time during summer break.

Parenting Time Tips for the Summer

We understand that custody arrangements vary, with some parents enjoying full summer schedules while others share parenting time during the break. For some, summer might be the only time they have physical custody of their children. Regardless of your specific situation, this blog will provide valuable considerations for navigating your co-parenting relationship and planning for activities that can help enrich the summer for you and your child.

Here are several tips to help you better plan for summer break as a co-parent:

Respect Boundaries Established in Your Custodial Arrangement

Before making any plans, you should review your existing parenting plan. Take some time together, or individually, to refresh your memory on the agreed-upon schedule for summer. This includes how parenting time is divided, whether alternating weekends, specific weeks, or a more complex arrangement.

Remember, the plan likely outlines rules regarding travel as well. Review any stipulations about traveling with the children outside the state or country. This ensures both parents are aware of limitations and avoids any surprises down the line.

Parenting plans often include communication protocols beyond just the physical exchange of children. These might be preferred contact methods, like texting or email, or specific timeframes for responses. Respecting all aspects of the parenting plan, including communication guidelines, helps ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable summer for everyone involved.

Prioritize Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful co-parenting relationship, especially during the logistical complexities of summer. By prioritizing clear and consistent communication with your co-parent, you can navigate transitions between households more smoothly. Regularly sharing updates on schedules, activities, and any significant developments regarding the children ensures both parents are on the same page and can help both parties feel included in their child’s daily life.

Discuss Your Plans

Discussing planned activities allows each parent to offer suggestions and ensure schedules don’t clash. Sharing knowledge of available camps or workshops can also expand the child’s options.

In amicable co-parenting situations, parents may even consider planning joint trips or activities, creating a sense of unity for the children. Transparency and open communication regarding summer plans can foster a more positive and collaborative co-parenting relationship throughout the break.

Be Flexible & Cooperative

Summer schedules can be fluid, with vacations, family events, and unexpected circumstances, and some situations may require you to accommodate your co-parent. Those who prioritize flexibility and cooperation can create a smoother experience for their children.

Remain Positive

Even if plans go awry, things are tense, or there is conflict, it is essential that you maintain a positive attitude. Children can pick up on how their parents are feeling and mimic certain feelings and behaviors. Keeping this in mind, how you interact with your co-parent (and with your child) is important.          

Deciding What to Do: Summer Activities

Summer break offers a welcome respite from the school year’s routines, but for parents, it also presents the challenge of filling those long, unstructured days. Proactive planning offers a multitude of benefits for both parents and children. Firstly, it reduces stress for everyone involved. Knowing activities are scheduled in advance eliminates the daily scramble to fill long summer days. This allows parents to focus on quality time with their children rather than scrambling for last-minute solutions.

Planning ahead also ensures availability for desired experiences. Popular camps, workshops, or tickets to events can sell out quickly. By securing spots in advance, you can guarantee your child’s participation in those enriching activities.

Most importantly, planning your time with your children for summer can be a fun and collaborative experience. Consider creating a “summer bucket list” together with your child. Brainstorm ideas, including places to visit, activities to try, or new skills to learn. This collaborative approach gets your child invested in the summer plans, transforming it from just another break into something you both look forward to together.

You should consider the following when scheduling activities:

• What are your child’s interests? Engaging in activities your children enjoy strengthens the parent-child bond and creates positive memories of your custody time. As kids’ interests can often change, you should ask your co-parent if your child is still interested in certain activities. Including older children in the planning process can also ensure your plans align with their hobbies.
• Are you balancing fun and routine? Maintaining a predictable schedule, even in a looser form, provides several key benefits for children. Firstly, routine fosters a sense of security and predictability. Talk about upcoming schedules with your children – knowing what to expect allows children to relax and focus on enjoying their summer.
• Can we create new experiences? While catering to their interests is important, remember that summer is also a prime opportunity to introduce new experiences. Striking a balance between familiar favorites and exciting new possibilities can create a summer filled with comfort and growth. Sharing new experiences is also a fun way to bond with your children.

Help With Parenting Plans & Custody Matters

If you have questions about parenting time during the summer, a custody issue, or are thinking about modifying your parenting plan, contact us to connect with one of our attorneys.