3 Co-Parenting Tips for Summer Vacation 

 Posted on May 18, 2022 in Child Custody

When parents divorce, they rarely walk away from the relationship entirely. Because they share children together, they will be in each other's lives at least until their children are grown. Co-parenting with an ex or soon-to-be-ex is not always easy, but there are steps parents can take to make co-parenting less stressful for everyone involved.

If you are recently divorced or intend to divorce soon, read on to learn some tips and tricks for co-parenting during summer vacation.

Effective Co-Parenting Starts with a Strong Parenting Plan

Divorcing parents in Illinois will create a parenting plan which describes parenting time, parental responsibilities, and other vital matters. Ideally, the parents will be able to agree on the terms of the parenting plan with help from their respective attorneys. However, if the parents cannot agree, they can submit separate parenting plans to the Court, and the Court will determine the best course of action.

One of the best ways to avoid conflict and misunderstanding in the co-parenting relationship is to construct a robust, detailed parenting plan. The more parents can figure out and put in writing before a conflict arises, the better.

Maintain Routines and Schedules as Much as Possible

Child therapists and other child experts maintain that children need structure and consistency to thrive. Although children will never admit it, schedules, rules, and consistent routines help kids feel safe. Some parents want to spoil their children during summer break by letting them stay up past their bedtime, neglect chores, or break the rules. However, experts say that this actually does more harm than good. If you are recently separated or divorced, providing a stable, structured, predictable environment is one of the best ways you can reduce stress and uncertainty in your kids’ lives.

Communicate With the Other Parent Respectfully

Even the most detailed parenting plan does not always account for life's surprises. There will likely come a time when parents need to adjust the parenting time schedule or communicate about child-related issues during summer break. If you find it difficult to communicate with your child's other parent effectively and respectfully, you may want to rely on technology instead of in-person conversations. Email, text messages, and other written communication are less personal and, consequently, less likely to stir up an argument. Discussing parenting plans or child-related issues in written form is also a great way to ensure that there are no misunderstandings and that there is a record of what was said.

Contact a Palatine Child Custody Lawyer

If you are divorced or soon will be, contact the Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. for help with parenting plans, custody disputes, child support, and more. Arlington Heights family lawyer Nicholas Richardson provides the legal support you need. Call 847.873.6741 for a confidential consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.kidscreektherapy.com/why-structure-and-consistency-are-important-for-kids/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/parenting-mistakes-after-divorce-4084363