Preparing For Summer Co-Parenting

Though many children look forward to the fun, freedom, and activities that typically come with summer vacation, it can be a challenging time for both the children and the parents in divorcing or post-divorce families.

Under many custody arrangements, children are with one parent or the other for longer stretches during the summer than during the school year. It’s a change in routine and in parenting time that can potentially produce anxiety for children and frustration for parents.

Here are some tips to help parents make the transition from the school year to summer vacation easier for children (and themselves) following a divorce.

Make Plans Early: Enroll children in summer camps and make vacation plans as soon as possible – definitely before the end of the school year. This gives kids a better idea of what the summer will look like and what they can look forward to doing during the summer. It also allows time for parents to resolve any schedule conflicts that might arise in the planning process.