The summer months can be difficult for co-parents. The schedule changes. Children have more free time, and there isn’t the routine that comes along with the school day, which usually matches up fairly well with a parent’s work day.
As such, co-parents need to think carefully about how they want to address co-parenting during summer vacation. Here are a few tips that can help.
Be flexible
Remember that things change. Schedules are different, and children may have a lot of activities, such as summer camps or sports camps. Be flexible to changing the schedule and putting your children first when you can.
Create routine and structure
If possible, set a schedule up in a way that creates a consistent routine. This can be very helpful for children. They enjoy the freedom of summer, of course, but they are losing some of the structure from going to school. Scheduling things out can help them know what to expect and make each day go more smoothly.
Talk in advance about trips
Many parents like to take their children on trips during the summer, such as a trip to visit their grandparents or to see a national park. It’s best to talk about these things well in advance. For one thing, this keeps both parents from planning a trip at the same time. It also ensures that they are on the same page regarding traveling with the children or changing the schedule to accommodate the trip.
Have consistent expectations
Along with consistent routines, it’s a good idea to have similar rules and expectations. No matter which parent the child is living with at the time, they should understand what is expected from them. For example, parents may want to consider having the same policies regarding curfews, electronics or summer jobs.
Getting through the summer
It is true that summer can be more difficult for co-parents, because it is a bit chaotic and more difficult to predict. As you can see, though, there are deliberate steps you can take to avoid serious issues and enjoy the summer more fully.