Co-Parenting Checklist For Summer Vacation

Co-Parenting Checklist For Summer Vacation

Meaghan Kleine Blog

Custody agreements are usually fairly rigid during the school year, with the majority of school-aged children living in one parental home during the weekdays and traveling to the other parental home for visitation. But summer vacation provides an opportunity to switch up the custody schedule, which can be a blessing or a nightmare for co-parents. 

Before you go back to court to alter a custody agreement, you should consider the best interest of your child. If they are well-provided for, with trustworthy adults, there may be no need to change the custody schedule in court. 

Emergencies

Co-parents should always be prepared and maintain communication during emergencies, but the topic is worth revisiting in the summertime. Many parents still work during these months, so children may be in the care of their relatives, babysitters, or other people who might not watch them during the school year. 

 


Always make sure that the individual caring for your child has each co-parent’s phone number, basic information on the child’s medical needs, and details on the nearest hospital. 

Big Summer Events

The summer season is a popular time for family vacations, reunions, and road trips. But planning an event away from home with children takes a lot of effort, even more so when you are actively co-parenting with a former partner. It’s in the child’s best interest to spend time with both sides of their family, so here’s what you’ll want to know before saying yes: 

Who Will Be There?

You need to know who will be present at this event for safety reasons. Firstly, you’ll want to know who you can contact if you can’t get in touch with your ex or child. Secondly, you’ll need to know that these individuals are responsible adults who will treat your child with respect and care. 

 

 

For example, let’s say your former spouse is taking your child to a family reunion. You know that they have a relative that recently got out of jail after committing a violent crime. Their presence at the reunion will affect your feelings about your child attending. 

What Is The Plan And How Will You Get There?

While it’s important to have details about one-day trips, this section will focus on longer vacations including lodging and transportation. So let’s say, this summer event involves traveling by plane to another country. A parent will want to know where the child is staying, hotel or family residence, flight details, and the itinerary for the trip. 

Where Are You Going?

Arguably, the biggest question of them all: where will you be? Is it a kid-friendly location, like Disneyworld? Or is it more of an adult venue, like Las Vegas? If your ex is traveling out of the country, are they traveling somewhere safe? 

Why Is It Important For My Child To Attend?

The obvious answer here is to spend time with the other parent. However, it’s crucial to consider age. If a child is still breastfeeding or very young, it may be challenging to travel long distances away from the other parent. 

 

 

However, it’s important to be flexible when appropriate. If you feel like you are a victim of parental alienation this summer, consult with the family law attorneys at Hickey & Hull to understand your rights as a co-parent. 

Daily Activities

Unfortunately, not every day can be a beach day. When it’s time for your child to kick back at home, they should have ample opportunities for fun, enriching, and safe activities to fill their time. 

 

That means communicating your summertime expectations with your co-parent. Don’t want your child sitting in front of the TV all day? Talk about ways to fill their schedule with: 

 

  • Age appropriate household chores
  • Crafts
  • Outdoor activities 
  • Reading
  • School homework packets (if applicable)

 

Avoid being too strict or too lenient — it harms the co-parenting relationship and can hurt the kids in the process. 

Simmering With Frustration Over Your Co-Parenting Relationship?

If you feel like your ex is alienating you from your child, acting abusive, or putting them in danger, consult with a family law attorney about your legal options. There’s no time to waste — call the Northwest Arkansas Hickey & Hull law office at (479) 802-6560 to discuss your concerns and let our legal professionals fight for you in court.