4 Tips For Co-Parenting During The Summer
Co-parenting can be really difficult when you’re navigating a new breakup or a divorce, but it can get easier. Both parents want to spend time with their child, particularly during the summer where the child isn’t in school and has more free time to explore the world around them. It’s important to keep your child’s wellbeing in mind when planning a summer of co-parenting.
Set Co-Parenting Schedules
Summer can be the best time to be free and do things on a whim, however it’s important to not only set schedules with the other parent, but to also set boundaries. Deciding up front beforehand who will look after the child during certain time periods is the only way to smoothly navigate the summer months as a co-parent. Once your schedules are established, taking into account any pre-made plans for the child, make sure both parents know the boundaries regarding these schedules.
Plan Exciting Trips and Activities for Your Child
It can be difficult for a child to be in two homes, especially during the summer when they don’t have their school routine to keep them occupied. Although it can be difficult with work schedules, plan as many fun things as you can for your child to keep them entertained. Remember that this isn’t a moment to compete with the other parent, but to create meaningful experiences to make sure your child is having fun and learning new things along the way.
Review Costs for Both Parents
Summer activities can become costly when everything is added together. For any big trips or summer school plans, make sure both parents discuss the costs involved and come to a fair agreement. Just because you may no longer know about your ex’s finances doesn’t mean you can assume they will pay half of everything you have planned. Similarly, don’t assume that you have to pay for all of the activities on your own if you both decided upon the plan. Discuss this with one another to come to a fair resolution for the child.
Keep Co-Parenting Fair
In the same way that it is best to keep costs fair when co-parenting, remember to keep other things fair too. Split up your time as equally as possible and make sure the child has things to look forward to with both parents and each side of the family. If one parent has all the fun trips planned whilst the other parent is left stuck for ideas, that isn’t fair for the parent or the child. Try to keep things as fair as possible so your child is having a memorable summer with both parents.
Co-parenting can be really hard in the summer, so keeping these tips in mind will definitely ensure that your child has a great time they will remember for years to come. Things don’t always go to plan and sometimes mediation is required. If you need family legal advice, contact Sarnacki Law Firm in Grand Rapids to find out what we can do to make your life easier so you get to spend time with your loved ones.
