Summer Co-Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents
Co-parenting can be challenging at any time of year, but the summer months can present unique challenges for divorced parents. It’s important to be proactive and make a plan that works for everyone involved.
5 Summer Co-parenting Tips
1. Communicate
Communication is always key in co-parenting, but it becomes even more important during the summer months. As schedules change and vacations are planned, it’s essential to keep each other informed of what’s happening. This can help avoid misunderstandings or scheduling conflicts. Keeping it friendly and respectful with your ex is a good way to avoid unnecessary conflict.
2. Be Flexible
Summer schedules can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible when it comes to custody arrangements. If one parent has an opportunity to take the children on a longer vacation, for example, it would benefit all to be as accommodating as possible and not haggle over the extra days needed. Flexibility and compromise avoid unnecessary stress and children will be happier, too.
3. Plan Ahead
Planning can make the summer months easier for everyone involved. Work together to create a summer schedule that considers each parent’s availability, and most importantly the children’s needs. This could include anything where the child is free from school and ready for fun activities during the warm months of summer. Having a plan in place can help reduce tension and ensure that everyone knows what to expect.
4. Keep the Children in Mind
It’s important to keep the children’s needs and wants in mind when making summer plans. This may mean making compromises or adjusting schedules to accommodate their preferences. It’s also important to make sure that the children have opportunities to spend time with both parents, even if custody arrangements may be different during the summer.
5. Establish Communication Guidelines
Establishing communication guidelines can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and reduce disappointments. This can include setting up a regular time for phone calls or video chats with the other parent, or allowing contact through a specific method, such as email or text messaging.
In conclusion, summer co-parenting can be challenging, but not impossible. Good communication, flexibility and planning will help create a rewarding experience for both parents and children. Putting the children’s happiness in the forefront is one way of ensuring that divorced parents can make the most of the summer months and create happy memories with the ones they love.
For more information on Co-Parenting talk to a Los Angeles Family Law Attorney
Lynette Kim has over 25 years of experience as a family law attorney in California. The Kim Mediation and Law Center is located at 3701 Wilshire Blvd Suite 508 in Los Angeles, CA. Call or contact us to schedule an appointment.
Compassion for my clients is important to me, and that’s why I’ve remained a family law practitioner for 30 years — and still love what I do. I’m keenly aware of the emotional toll divorce can have on you and your family. As you navigate the rough waters of transition, my team and I will help you find your balance. We’re here to support you in making the best decisions for your future. I’ve seen the positive results again and again when couples embrace meditation or collaborative divorce. I’d be honored to share these practices with you and set your family on a healthy path.
