Co-parenting with one’s ex is rarely a straightforward task. It can become even more complicated when variations in a child’s calendar – like winter and summer vacation – arise. Summer vacation presents a unique opportunity for both parents to spend quality time with their children away from the strict rigors of the school year. However, that lack of structure can be disorienting and potentially stressful.
Ultimately, planning for summer vacation months in advance is generally a wise move. Setting expectations and ironing out scheduling issues early can help everyone to avoid unnecessary tension and make plans according to agreed-upon approaches.
Why get started now?
Summer vacation often involves more intricate logistics than regular weekly parenting time arrangements. There might be travel plans, summer camps or special activities to consider that require booking and reservations well ahead of time.
Early planning helps to ensure that both parents have the opportunity to participate in these decisions and that any necessary arrangements can be made without the pressure of last-minute planning. This foresight can also lead to cost savings, as early bookings for flights, accommodations and activities often come at a lower price.
If you and your co-parent don’t already have a schedule detailed in your parenting plan, you’ll want to consider your child’s age, interests and whether they’ve been able to spend sufficient time with both parents when crafting your approach. Obviously, the logistics of each parent’s employment situation also need to be factored into any scheduling discussions.
If your child is old enough to have a say in how you and your co-parent craft your summer plans, consider allowing them to weigh in, at least to a degree that makes sense logistically and doesn’t interfere with either parent’s rights.
There is often a lot to unpack when it comes to making summer vacation plans as a co-parent. By getting started early, you can make decisions thoughtfully, without having to rush.