As a parent, you want your child to have a fun summer break, but summer also likely means changes in your school-year child custody schedule that you should prepare for. You can help your kids have an enjoyable summer by knowing what to expect and by efficiently co-parenting.
Review your child custody order
You should review your child custody order before summer starts. The non-custodial parent may likely have the child in their care more often during the summer than during the school year. You should work together with your ex ahead of time to address any possible summer child custody conflicts.
For example, you may have to provide your ex with travel details before taking your child on a summer trip, especially if doing so would conflict with your ex’s parenting time. Or you will need to make sure you and your ex know who has custody during important holidays such as Father’s Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Effective co-parenting can make for a happy summer
You and your ex can co-parent in ways that provide your child with consistency during the summer. For example, you may want to agree on common summer rules such as bedtime and other household rules. This can provide consistency for your child.
You and your ex will want to avoid trying to be the “fun” parent, ignoring rules and letting your child get away with unhealthy habits and boundaries. You should also avoid speaking negatively about your ex in front of your child. Your child may feel they have to choose sides if you do this.
Your child’s needs come first
It is important to remember that your child’s needs should always come first. This is why effective co-parenting is so important. You can help your child have a happy summer by reviewing your child custody order ahead of time and cooperating with your ex.
