Summer is approaching, and children are excited to finish school and enjoy time with their friends, families and by the pool! It is excellent for parents who wish to spend more time with their children if they can do so.
Co-parenting is challenging at any time, but summer often brings up unique problems because it’s a very different schedule than the rest of the year. If the child’s parents do not have an established agreement in place, many options exist. The most important takeaway is for parents to focus on working with each other instead of against each other.
Differing circumstances
Some parents find working around the child’s extracurricular activities and social schedule is best. Others, parents with less flexibility in their jobs, have to devise a plan that allows them to fulfill their responsibilities at work and home.
If one parent works from home and the other one does not, however, one way of arranging co-parenting schedules is having the parent who works from home keep the child during weekdays while the other parent is at the office and arrange for the other parent spends time with the child when they are not at work.
During summer break, parents can choose one of many co-parenting schedules. The examples featured below are an example and an idea for parents to consider. Examples of effective schedules for co-parenting during the summer:
- Mom spends two days with the child. Dad spends two days with the child. Mom spends a long weekend with the child. Then, it switches so that dad spends two days with the child, mom spends two days with the child, and dad spends a long weekend with the child.
- Mom and dad each get one week with the child, Sunday through Sunday. The parents can switch on Sunday at a convenient time for both, for example, 5:00 p.m.
- Each parent spends two weeks with their child, alternating back and forth.
- The child spends most of the summer living at one parent’s home primarily and visiting the other parent.
Whatever plan you choose, it is always best to put custody or parenting time agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings. You can file these agreements with the court if you want to do that. In the event of a consistent problem, and if communication between the parents fails, either can seek assistance from the court. The court will evaluate the specific facts of your case and make a decision based on the best interests of the child, among other factors.
Summertime allows parents to spend more time with their children. However, it is crucial to consider the potential problems that may arise due to the child’s time off and the parent’s schedules.
The most important factor to remember is your child’s best interests because, ultimately, as co-parents, you both want what is best for them.