Summer holidays can pose challenges when co-parenting, while our children enjoy weeks of free time, we still have to juggle our busy routines and ensure the children stay occupied, which can feel like a never-ending task. Spending quality time with our children is enjoyable, but finding the time to do so can be stressful—and it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge that co-parenting can be tough at times. If possible, working together as parents will help to ensure that the summer runs as smooth and stress free as possible.
What to consider when co-parenting during the summer holidays
Organisation
If you do not have a formal child arrangements order, then there is no universal way to split the holidays that works for everyone, so focus on what is best for your child/children. Planning ahead of the holidays will give both parents time to arrange and help the children know what to expect during the break. If you do not have a child arrangements order and either of you plan on taking your child/children abroad, you should obtain consent from the other parent. See our other blog: “Taking Children Abroad after Separation”: https://www.townsendfamilylaw.co.uk/taking-children-abroad-after-separation/
Ensure that both parents are included
When booking a holiday with your children, think about ways to maintain your child’s bond with their other parent. It could be beneficial to agree on sharing photos, having facetimes/phone calls and any other form of communication.
Stay within your budget
Worries about costs may arise when staying at home during the break. However, there are plenty of ways to have fun without spending lots of money. Explore your local parks, libraries, and fun activities such as bike rides etc which often offer free or affordable activities for children.
Going on holiday abroad
Ensure you have made all the mandatory passport arrangements well ahead of your travel plans. If your child’s passport has a different surname from yours, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your ex-partner early on to obtain a consent letter.
Adaptable to change
During the summer holidays the usual living arrangements might not be suitable for the summer. Majority of plans tend to shift a bit; this may mean that the children will spend extended periods of time with each parent to enjoy their time off. To make sure that this is doable for both parents it is good to organise a schedule that suits everyone.
Remember the summer holidays is about spending time with the children not competing with the other parent over who has the best holiday plans, as this can lead to the children feeling tension and guilt. Children simply want to spend quality time with their parents, whether it’s camping in the garden or going on holiday. As long as you are spending quality time with the children and having fun, that’s all that matters.
