The summer months mean a long vacation for kids which often affects the parenting schedule as the routines set by the school schedule are no longer in place. Washington parents who share custody should focus on creating a summer schedule before the actual summer begins, that way they can avoid confusion and possible conflicts and instead focus on making summer a memorable time for their children.
What should you consider when planning your summer schedule?
There are several factors co-parents should consider when planning their summer child custody schedule. These include:
- The original parenting plan and what it establishes regarding summer schedules
- Any vacation plans that include traveling with children
- The children’s own wishes when it comes to summer activities
- The parents’ individual work schedules during the summer
What type of summer schedule plan works for your family?
Depending on the various factors that affect your family’s summer schedules and plans, you and your co-parent can explore several options. Many of these options only work if the parents live relatively close to each other. While the first option is keeping the regular parenting schedule, if it works for your family, other alternating plans might be a better fit for the summer, including:
- Alternating one or two weeks with each parent
- Spending 3 days with one parent, 4 days with the other parent, then 4 days with the first parent and then 3 days with the second parent
- Alternating 2 days with each parent
Once you and your co-parent agree on a summer parenting schedule, you should make sure it is in writing, listing all the details that are important and accessible to both parents. This will help you have a smoother summer vacation and help you focus on your kids, without additional conflicts due to scheduling.
