3 Things to Consider in Planning Summer Visitation Schedules

As summer approaches and schools let out, co-parents may have some anxiety about navigating their child custody agreements during the summer months. While some agreements are ironclad and have already established your visitation agreements year-round, many have not. Here are some things to consider when planning your summer schedule. 

You have options. 

While it’s never easy to be away from your kids, you have options, even in sharing custody. Co-parenting post breakup requires a healthy dose of compromise and summer planning is no different. Perhaps you can alternate days, weekends, weeks, or even months. It is important to keep in mind your child’s preferences and the type of schedule they do best in. Some need consistency and some are good with frequent changes. 

Make a plan. 

It is always best to be proactive when planning visitation schedules. Start planning early so that you are not forced into rushed decisions or changed plans. While it is smart to plan ahead, flexibility can also be your saving grace. 

Give your child a voice. 

Children love summer break. The absence of school, the sun and fun, and the sleeping in. It is important when navigating your summer visitation schedule to also get input from your child as to what they would like to experience that summer. Ultimately you as the parents obviously have the final say, but taking your child’s wishes into account is always a great idea.

Today we have the blessing of things like technology to help keep us connected more than ever. While the summer should be a relaxing time, don’t stress your family out with arguing over visitation schedules. Plan ahead, communicate and keep your children first at all times.