Divorced Parents and Summer Time Divorce impacts a child’s life in every way. Summers can be extremely challenging because children are home from school and they have a lot of free time. I have written up some key points to keep in mind when scheduling your children’s summer activities.
• Co--Parenting Plan. When planning for the summer, refer to the co-parenting plan that was created when you divorced. This will help guide you as you plan summer activities.
• Use a Shared Calendar. When creating events and summer activities use a shared calendar to list dates and times for the children’s events. Be specific and be sure to add details such as exact dates and times and who is picking up. Be sure to write down everything, dentist appointments, visitation schedules, special events, etc...
• Communication. Whether it is a vacation, visitation, summer school, or a week at grandmas house, communicate. Make sure not only you and the co-parent know what’s going on but your children do as well. Involve them to the degree that allows them to have some input in how they would like to spend their summer. This does NOT mean you put them in the middle when you and your co-parent are planning. As the children do get older they will be having more to say about their summers and it is important to allow them to feel they have a say.
• Do NOT put the children in the middle. Summer should be a nice time for everyone, especially the children. Let your children BE children and do not play tug of war with them. Never make them choose between which parent they want to be with, that is an ADULT decision.
I suggest using our calendar at www.DivorceCommunications.com. Our calendar allows parents to create events at the same time allowing their children access to view them. This way everyone involved will be able to access the main calendar.
Cathy-
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