As winter’s chill lingers, summer may seem like a “time far, far away.” However, for co-parents, the summer is approaching faster than may think. Generally speaking, the colder months are a prime time to start discussing summer plans for their children.
Why is this the case? Early planning can mitigate the risk of potential conflicts, better ensure that both parents’ schedules are respected and help to make summer enjoyable and enriching for the children involved.
Anticipating challenges and the risk of conflicts
For some families, summer may involve vacations, camps and other activities that require booking in advance. By discussing plans early, co-parents can identify and resolve scheduling conflicts well ahead of time, better ensuring that both parents have equal opportunities to spend quality time with their children.
Many summer camps, classes, and programs require early registration, and spots can fill up quickly. By planning, co-parents can ensure their children have access to the activities they’re most interested in. Early booking often comes with the added benefit of early bird discounts, helping to manage the financial aspect of summer activities more effectively.
To that end, summer activities and vacations can significantly impact a family’s budget. Early planning allows co-parents to manage these expenses more effectively, make financial arrangements, and, if necessary, adjust plans to fit their budget. This proactive approach can prevent financial strain and better ensure that both parents contribute fairly to the costs of summer plans, in line with any existing agreements or court orders.
For co-parents, the observational wisdom that “the early bird catches the worm” holds true when it comes to planning for summer. Starting a conversation about summer plans during the winter months sets a positive tone for co-parenting communication throughout the year. It demonstrates a commitment to cooperation and mutual respect, laying the groundwork for effective problem-solving and decision-making.
For all these reasons and more, if you are part of a co-parenting team and you haven’t started ironing out the details of your family’s summer schedule, it’s time to get cracking.
