As summer approaches, it is important to consider how you will keep your children cared for and entertained during the weeks they are off school. This becomes even more important if you are separated or divorced.
As co-parents, things might be a little fraught between you, and even if they aren’t, the fact that you are no longer living together can make communication and coordination more challenging. Let’s look at one important thing that can make for a more pleasant summer for everyone.
Stay flexible
You might have had to fight hard to get a share of parenting time that you are content with when going through the divorce. So being flexible with the other parent may be the last thing on your mind. However, flexibility can make for simpler co-parenting.
If this is going to be your first summer after divorce, you may find that the plan you so carefully made doesn’t work. The kids’ summer routine may require a change to the schedules you worked out. You may find that having the children from Monday to Friday as planned simply does not allow you to get enough work done when they are hanging around the house and you are working from home.
Another reason you might need to be flexible is to avoid shutting out opportunities. For example, your ex-mother-in-law wants to take all the grandchildren to the coast for a week. However, the only week she can do this is the week the kids are due to be with you. If you refuse because it’s your turn to have the kids, they may feel they are missing out. If you grant permission and perhaps make up the time on another date, it is likely better for them and can lead to future flexibility being directed your way by your co-parent when you need it.
Experienced legal guidance on matters of custody and parenting time can help you come up with the sort of arrangement that is more likely to lead to cooperation moving forward.