Tips for Handling Extracurricular Activities During Summer Parenting Time

Summer is a time for fun-packed days at the pool, summer camps, and loads of other extracurricular activities. It’s also time to put your co-parenting skills to the test.

Changes in the normal schedule can stretch a parent’s limits of patience under the best circumstances. For divorced or divorcing parents, tempers can get as hot as a sun-baked sidewalk.

5 Tips for Better Summertime Co-Parenting

Consistency is one of the most important factors in co-parenting. It’s normal to loosen some of the rules when school is out. Kids may be allowed to stay up a little later or watch more television than they are usually allowed, but maintaining daily routines is still important.

The same goes for maintaining the relationship with your ex-spouse. Don’t let tension get in the way of enjoying time off with your children. Follow these tips for a fun and conflict-free summer vacation.

1. Communicate

Start discussing summer plans and expectations as early as possible. Before you start reserving plane tickets and registering the kids for summer camp, speak with the other parent about summer plans. If the two of you aren’t great at verbal communication, use a calendar-sharing app or other technologies to stay on track.

2. Cooperate

Remember your goals. You want your kids to have a great summer, you want some quality time with them, and you would probably like a little break now and then, too. If being flexible about your plans can help you achieve those goals, why not do it?

3. Review Your Custody Agreements

Reminding yourself of your rights and limitations can help stop disagreements before they start. Before saying yes to any changes in your visitation schedule, consult with your family law attorney.

4. Coordinate for Special Events

There are times as a parent when you have to do things you don’t want to do. Attending a kids’ birthday party or a Fourth of July picnic with your ex-spouse may be one of those things.

More parents are learning how to remain friends and enjoy family events after a divorce, but if you haven’t found your way into the “friend zone” yet, that’s okay. If you can both agree to put on a smile for a few hours your kids will have a great time.

5. Discuss Expenses

Summer can be expensive. Extra child care, activity fees, and costs for special events can add up quickly. Decide who will cover these additional costs before you start booking events you can’t afford. To help build trust, keep receipts and be transparent about costs.

Is it Time to Update Your Visitation Agreement?

The challenge of navigating summer vacation can show the weaknesses in your visitation or child support agreements. You may think it’s not possible to make changes, or you might worry that asking for changes could harm your relationship with your ex-spouse.

The needs of your children may change as they grow. Updating custody and support offers may improve the way you co-parent. Contact Gucciardo Family Law to learn how you can modify agreements to better suit your family’s needs.