Family Lawyer

With summer just around the corner, so many families are getting ready for their vacations and spending more quality time with their kids. This includes newly divorced parents who share custody of their children. If you share custody with your ex, here are some good co-parenting tips to follow in the summer.

Discuss Travel Plans Ahead of Time

If you want to take your kids on a trip this summer, it’s important to talk about your plans with your ex promptly. The last thing you want to do is surprise him or her at the last minute. Let your ex know where you want to take your kids and how long you plan to stay there. If your ex also wants to take your children on a trip, you should listen to his or her thoughts.

Make Your Children the Top Priority

No matter what, your children should be number one. While making summer plans can be stressful at times, you should focus on your kids’ happiness. Ask them what sorts of activities they want to do in the summer and make them feel included. 

Agree on Rules

When co-parenting during the summer, it’s important for children to follow the same rules with each parent. For instance, if you set a bedtime of 10 p.m. for your kids, they should have the same bedtime at the other parent’s house. If the rules are inconsistent, it can confuse your children. 

Be Flexible

While it’s ideal to have a predetermined summer schedule, plans can change sometimes. If your ex has to make last minute changes to the schedule, try to be flexible. For example, if your ex’s job is extra busy and making him or her push back a getaway trip with your children, be understanding.

Don’t Try to Compete with the Other Parent

Some parents make the mistake of competing with their co-parent during their summer vacation. If one parent takes the kid to a neighborhood park one day, the other parent may decide to take the kids to a big amusement park the next day. Don’t do this. All this will do is put everyone in an awkward position. 

Maintain Frequent Communication

During summer break, it’s a good idea to communicate with your children and the other parent on a regular basis. If your ex takes the kids on a trip out of town, don’t hesitate to call your kids and ask them how everything is going.

If you have additional questions about co-parenting, contact a family lawyer, like one from Winfrey Law Firm, PLLC.