Co-parenting Time-Sharing Issues During Summer Break

Co-parenting Time-Sharing Issues During Summer Break

The summer break is hectic for all families and even more so for divorced parents with time-sharing schedules. Additional difficulties may emerge as summertime co-parenting can be in itself a difficult experience. For many parents, summer break time-sharing means long distance time-sharing, and this frequently equates to one of the parents being away from the children for an extended period, which can be very stressful.
With years of experience in child custody and time-sharing resolution in Florida behind me, I want to help you combat some of the summertime co-parenting issues before and during the summer, so let’s get started.

Plan Ahead Whenever Possible
Planning doesn’t only mean planning the time of the vacation or the visit. Ex-spouses should be open with each other about what the child will be doing while in their care. If the child is going away to camp this summer, it’s essential to establish what your child needs for the trip and who is going to be the supplier. For example, if the child needs a beach towel or a swimsuit, it’s essential to establish at which household the child will keep their belongings. Planning the financial part is also crucial. Summer camps, along with increased child care during summertime will cost money. Always make a plan about covering the costs to ensure both parents know who’s in charge of what.

Transitioning Between Households
It is essential to make the child feel welcome in the home of the parent they are visiting for the summer. The transition between households needs to be as smooth as possible for the child.
Children need to feel they have a space to call their own in every household, so setting up a personal space for a child is crucial for a successful transition. If the child doesn’t have their room at the house they’re going to be spending the summer at; the parent should at least make sure to empty some drawers or closet space before the child arrives.
Setting similar rules for each household is the key to smooth transitioning: if one parent limits computer time and doesn’t allow the child to play video games more than twice a week, the other parent needs to ensure similar rules in their household. The child will be less confused and will not compare their parents, nor will they attempt to manipulate one parent into activities the other parent wouldn’t agree to in the first place. Co-parenting will work better if the parents can put aside their difference and be united in the rules for the children.

Let the Children Have a Say
It’s easy to get caught up in arranging what works best for you and your ex-spouse while planning for the summer – and to forget to ask the children what they want.
Let the children have a say in their summer plans, even if that means twisting the original idea a little bit. If your child participates in sports, fit their games and practice into the schedule. Older children can stress out over being away from “home,” especially during long-distance time-sharing. Teenagers often want to come home early because they miss their friends. Talk to your children about what they want and try to develop a strategy with your ex-spouse for any possible problem that may occur.
Always keep in mind that this isn’t about the two of you, it’s about your children. No matter how the divorce might have affected your feelings and no matter how angry you might be, remember that this is not the time to set scores. Try to be a good co-parent for the benefit of children.

If you have any questions or concerns about your time-sharing and or parenting plan, know your rights. Call Debora A. Diaz, Esq. Family and Marital law Attorney at 727-846-1802.

Written by Debora A. Diaz, Esq.
Family and Marital Law Attorney