Summer is officially here, which means that summer vacation is likely just beginning for your children. But considering that 1.5 million children are involved in the divorce of their parents every year, it is safe to say that if you are separated from your child’s parent, juggling summer vacation and child custody is more common of a challenge than you might think.
Whether you are planning on a divorce or this is your first summer vacation with a child custody plan in place, here are a few important things you should and should not do.
DO: Plan Vacations in Advance
There are few things worse than planning a vacation with your child only to find out your former spouse has booked a vacation around the same time. These things must be worked out in advance to ensure there are no overlapping vacations. This way, a child can spend equal amounts of time with each parent without feeling fought over or having to choose sides.
DO NOT: Take Attachment Personally
Even after dealings with a divorce lawyer and family court are finished, it is important to remember that your child still has two parents, so it is completely natural for them to miss the parent they are not with! If this happens, do not take it personally. Odds are it is not your fault and there is nothing you can do about it. The best thing to do in this situation is to encourage your child to communicate with the parent they are missing and give them the channels to do so.
DO: Engage in Communication
Communication applies to more than just legal issues. Whether something needs to be addressed with your divorce lawyer or not, summer vacation requires a certain level of communication with your former spouse. The bulk of these conversations will likely concern your children and even though they may be uncomfortable at first, they are important in ensuring the children are well-cared for.
Summer vacation can be a complicated time for families who have gone through a divorce or are just starting the process. But that does not mean summer has to be boring or filled with arguments. If you put these tips into practice, the summer is sure to go smoothly for everyone.