In addition to the freedom to once again wear bright colors and white pants, the end of the
school year affords families the opportunity to spend more quality time together. Invoke family camping trips, s'mores nights, barbecues, and more.
Summertime can disrupt co-parenting patterns for separated or divorced parents, causing stress and anxiety. Who gets to watch your children on July 4? What if your vacation plans overlap? If navigating schedules leaves you feeling overwhelmed, you are likely not alone. There are around 12.9 million custodial parents in the United States.
Summer can be a relaxing and enjoyable time for the entire family with a little forethought and organization. Here are six strategies to prepare you for happy co-parenting and visitation throughout the summer:
Six Suggestions for Happy Co-parenting During the Summer
1. Communicate in Advance
While you may be physically separated from your children, you and your co-parent are still on the same team when it comes to their upbringing. Collaboration is essential for effective planning!
Experts advocate beginning conversations early and putting vacations and special occasions on a common calendar as soon as they become known. Sit down and discuss these ideas with your co-parent so that you're on the same page; parents are a lot more at ease when they're on the same page.
2. Compassion and Mutual Regard
Parents must maintain mutual respect and refrain from speaking negatively about one another, especially in front of their children. Remember that every decision you make around your child has a direct effect on them, and children are far more perceptive than you may believe. It is essential to have compassion and recognize that the other parent is trying their best.
3. Reconsider your Parenting Strategy
Summer is a key transitional phase for children, therefore it is also an ideal time for both parents to evaluate and synchronize their parenting strategies. Especially as children age, you should modify the plan to accommodate their schedules, interests, and ambitions, while making time for the family.
4. Create Calendars
Inform everyone, including your children, of your family's goals. Communication is essential throughout the summer months, and one method to successfully communicate is by displaying calendars in the primary living areas of both homes. Make calendars clear and maybe color-coordinated for children, so they can imagine when they will be seeing their other parent.
5. Harmonize Rules in Every Home
Ensure that you both understand the regulations of each residence. Determine, for instance, the acceptable television viewing hour. The inconsistency can be difficult for the youngster to adjust to if one family sets a one-hour limit on television viewing while the other does not. This can then lead to tension and stress in both households, as the kid will refer to one parent as "strict" and desire to spend more time at the home of the parent who enables them to watch an infinite amount of television.
When co-parenting, communicate about norms and boundaries and be courteous.
6. Keep in Mind the Overall Picture
Summer may be a stressful season for co-parents due to schedule conflicts, but it is only temporary. Try to avoid bringing up prior disagreements with your co-parent, since this is counterproductive. Consider instead what routines, habits, and characteristics you can instill in your child that will make both parents pleased. This will result in a full and significant summer season.
Consult an Attorney to Learn more about Child Custody Rights.
When dealing with child custody, visitation rights, and child support, it is recommended to consult a family law attorney for assistance in navigating the issue and guidance in making important decisions. To discover how child custody arrangements are created, which child custody questions to ask, how to modify a child custody order, or for assistance with any other child custody topic, speak with an attorney or contact LegalShield.
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