As we approach summer in New Hampshire, it’s time to start planning for the summer months. If you’re in a co-parenting relationship with school-aged children, it’s extra important to make sure your summer plans are set in stone.
During the months that school is in session, you’ll likely have a child custody routine that works for all parties. But once the kids are home for the summer, this can cause a break in the established patterns and require a new agreement for taking care of your children in the best and most efficient way possible.
Extra challenges during summer
First, the most apparent extra challenge – You’ll need to care for your children (or arrange care for them) all day while they’re out of school. Depending on your situation, this can represent an added difficulty.
The summer months also contain several holidays – Mother’s and Father’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are notables – And usually, the court ordered co-parenting schedule makes special dispensation for holidays. So, you’ll need to consider those when planning for the summer.
Finally, many families choose to take a vacation during summer, and that’s also something you’ll need to work out with your ex-spouse if you’d like to travel somewhere.
Keys to successful summer co-parenting planning
As with much of co-parenting, proactive communication is of utmost importance. Don’t wait until the last minute to try to hammer out a summer co-parenting plan. Never spring a major vacation or another upheaval on your ex-spouse right before it’s scheduled.
The sooner you broach the subject and start collaborating, the more likely you’ll be able to create a schedule that is agreeable to both parties.
Take a look at your own schedule for the upcoming summer and figure out your priorities. That could mean negotiating for a special holiday or planning around your work schedule. The key is to go into the summer co-parenting discussion with a clear idea of your needs and wants and allow yourself enough time to go back and forth with your ex-spouse to figure something out.
Co-parenting in the summer can present certain unique challenges. Tackle the job of planning it early to avoid undue hassles or stress.
