3 Summer Break Co-Parenting Tips for Separated Parents

Summer break, spanning approximately nine weeks, can catch families off guard, disrupting the regular parenting schedule and leaving you searching for alternative care. The sudden shift from school routines to summer schedules often causes stress and confusion for both parents and children, leading to conflicts and tension. At Brown Beattie O’Donovan, we understand these complexities and offer helpful tips for co-parents to assist in maintaining a peaceful schedule as you try to coordinate plans and manage unexpected changes.

1. Prioritize Your Child

Keep your children’s best interests at the forefront during Summer Break by considering their needs and preferences. This helps create a positive and supportive environment, reducing stress and promoting harmony. Focus on their happiness and comfort to mitigate the impact of parental conflicts.

2. Be Flexible

Flexibility is crucial during summer when schedules can be unpredictable. Accommodate each other’s plans and allow children to maintain contact with the other parent. Be prepared to adapt to unexpected changes like health, work, or travel issues.

Remember that it is also the parents’ summer. If one parent wants to schedule a trip or event, try to accommodate and focus on what is best for your child. It’s also important to allow your children to communicate or phone the other parent during your time, if possible.

3. Communicate Early

Early communication is key to managing a peaceful summer schedule and ensuring both parents are on the same page. Discuss vacations and set plans in advance to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts. Provide detailed itineraries for any vacations in case of emergency and for full transparency. 

Parents must be on the same page. Your children will follow your lead. The sooner you know the plan, the sooner the children know the plan.

Your child can have two healthy homes! If you need assistance preparing, evaluating or adjusting your calendar and communicating changes for the summer with your ex, please contact our office. Our goal at Brown Beattie O’Donovan is to reduce conflict by empowering amicable co-parents.