How to conquer the summer as a divorced parent
Summer break can be a challenging time for divorced parents. With two households to juggle and kids who are always on the go, it can be difficult to find a balance between work and family time. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place to help make the summer vacation months a little bit easier. Here are some strategies for surviving summer break as a divorced parent.
1) Establish a Co-Parenting Summer Schedule:
Creating a co-parenting summer schedule in advance can help establish clear expectations and minimize conflicts. Coordinate with your ex-spouse to determine the best way to divide summer activities, vacations, and time with the children. Having a summer schedule in place from the beginning will provide structure and ensure that both parents get quality time with the kids.
Bonus Tip:
Make sure you stick to the agreed-upon schedule! Sticking to a routine and being dependable are essential for keeping things stable and minimizing stress for both parents and children. By honoring the agreed-upon schedule, you can foster a sense of security and predictability for everyone involved.
2) Make a Daily/Weekly Schedule for Yourself:
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re able to manage work and family time during the summer is to create a schedule for yourself. Set aside certain days for work, family time, and other activities so that everyone knows what to expect. This will help you stay organized and make sure that everyone is able to get the attention they need.
3) Communicate with Your Ex:
Communication is key to harmonious divorce parenting. Talk to your ex about how you’re going to split up the kids’ summer activities and who will be responsible for what. This will help make sure that neither of you is stuck with the majority of the work.
Bonus Tip:
Keep your communication focused and the scheduling of kids’ summer activities easier by using a parenting app. Parenting apps can make parenting after divorce a lot easier for both you and your ex. Learn more about our recommended co-parenting apps in this short video:
4) Take Time for Yourself:
It’s important to make time for yourself during the summer months. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, make sure to take a break and do something that brings you joy. This can be anything from reading a book to going for a walk or having a spa day.
5) Look for Creative Solutions:
If you’re struggling to find a way to balance work and family time, look for creative solutions. For example, you might consider hiring a babysitter for a few hours a week so that you can get some work done.
6) Set Boundaries:
It’s important to set boundaries with your children and your ex to make sure that everyone is respectful of each other’s time and space. For example, if your ex-spouse unexpectedly asks if they can take the children for an extended period or rearrange the schedule, calmly but firmly assert the boundaries that have been established. You can respond by calmly reiterating the agreed-upon plan and explaining that it’s essential for the children to have this dedicated family time. You might say something like:
“Thank you for your understanding. We had planned this day specifically for our family outing, and it’s important for the children to have this time together. Let’s stick to the schedule we discussed, and I’m open to finding an alternative time for you to spend with the kids.”
By clearly communicating your boundaries and highlighting how important family time together is, you’re making sure everyone understands and respects the agreed-upon arrangements. This approach helps maintain consistency and prioritizes the well-being of the children, and will help ensure that everyone can have a peaceful and enjoyable summer break.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your summer break as a divorced parent. With a little bit of planning and communication, you can make sure that everyone gets the attention they need while still being able to get work done.
Want to learn more? Here are some similar tips for navigating shared custody and spring break:
Need Help with a Divorce Parenting Plan? Call the Drake Law Firm Today
Summer is approaching quickly. If you need help adjusting your parenting plan, finalizing the terms of your divorce before summer, or resolving issues with custody and visitation schedules, contact our team of experienced family law attorneys at the Drake Law Firm today by giving us a call at 303-261-8111.