Transition into Summer Parenting Time
Summer is quickly approaching, and the school year is coming to an end. As summer sneaks up, parents must prepare to handle parenting time, vacation planning and camp, the best way for their family.
If you have an allocation judgment, re-reading your court-ordered parenting plan is helpful while creating a schedule that fits your obligations to your children and co-parent. In the absence of an allocation judgment, you should get a pre-decree to create a temporary plan for parenting time for the summer.
For some families, summer parenting time remains the same as the rest of the year. Other options include alternating weeks, extended weekends, or splitting the summer in half on rare occasions. It can be important to consider that if a parent lives out of state, they may have more time allocated in the summer than during the school year.
Whether you keep your regular school year routine or have a new summer routine, it is important to provide a schedule for the child to depend on. Although summer allows for more flexibility, maintaining some consistency can help the child feel a sense of normalcy and avoid any confusion.
Communicating with your co-parent is very important for a smooth transition into summer. Taking time to discuss summer plans such as camp, vacations, and potentially a new summer schedule can allow both parents to clear and address any potential issues. Planning a schedule and determining certain scheduling plans, such as child drop-off and pick-up from certain activities, adjustments to the schedule for vacation time, or distance and travel time between parents' homes, can help alleviate stress and inconvenience.
Many parents still work a full schedule during summer vacation, and you may need to seek alternative arrangements for your child. There are many options for children in the summer, such as camp, daycare, or hiring a babysitter. If you have not already planned for your child's summer arrangement, signing your child up for summer camp is an excellent option for a fun and active summer activity.
Camp
There are many types of summer camps. Whether you go with the educational approach or a simpler outdoors approach, camp is a great idea to provide your child with care and fun.
Parents should start planning summer camp for children early. January and February can be a good time to begin researching camps that best fit you and your child's needs. It is important to note that popular camps tend to get filled up quickly! Starting a discussion with your co-parent on camp can help work out certain details, such as who will pay. When researching and selecting a camp, some things to consider are the location, activities offered, age groups, and cost.
Overnight Camp:
Usually, overnight camp can be a child's first time away from home and their parents, making it a great option to enhance your child's confidence and ability to be independent. These camps tend to cost more since camp organizers often allocate extra fees for camp counselors, sleeping arrangements, or meals. However, overnight camps are great for many children as they can provide your child with an immersive experience and the ability to form bonds with other campers. Although overnight camp is an excellent experience for children, you should be aware that your child may become homesick and find it difficult to adjust to being away from home.
Day Camp:
Some kids are not ready for a long commitment and time apart from their parents for summer camp. Day camps often provide children with activities and experiences similar to overnight camps. You can find one located near your home, helping the transition from school to camp become more manageable for your child to adjust. Day camps are generally less expensive than overnights and can allow the child more time with their parent on weekends and evenings. This option may be more fitting for parents who often do not see their child a lot during the school year.
Ultimately, choosing between overnight and day camp greatly depends on your child's age and personality, as well as your family's circumstances and needs. If your child is older, outgoing, and independent, overnight camp might be a good fit. However, day camp might be a better fit if your child is younger, shy, and reserved.
Summer Vacations/Summer Holidays
Whether there are summer birthdays in the family, holidays such as the fourth of July, or vacations, it is essential to create a plan. Having a set plan where everyone is on board is critical to a smooth summer.
There are many ways parents decide to split or share holidays. Many parents alternate holidays, split the day, or switch every year. No set plan works best. You and your co-parent should figure out what works best for your family. Although personal preferences may get in the way, it is important to remember to choose what's best for the child.
When deciding on vacations, it is crucial to start planning and communicating early! Discussing the schedule well in advance helps allow time for negotiating and preventing conflict. It also provides time for you to discuss the schedule with your child so they can feel comfortable and prepared. Having things decided and settled early can alleviate stress between everyone involved and allow for some excitement as summer approaches! Being flexible with your co-parent is important, as summer vacations may fall into the other parent's parenting time.
Remember to have fun and relax during the summer if possible. Summer is supposed to be a way for your child to unwind after the school year and have fun in the warm weather!
If you have concerns about your summer schedule, you should discuss them with your co-parent. If you wish to modify or establish a summer parenting schedule, contact The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC for an initial consultation to learn about the process.
NOTICE: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as providing legal advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this blog post.