As a divorced parent in New Jersey, summer break can be tough from a planning perspective. While you want what’s best for your children, you might find it difficult to schedule activities and events with your ex, especially if your divorce was contentious. With the following tips from Parenting, you can create a summer parenting schedule that works for everyone.
Arrange an extended trip
For non-custodial parents that live far from their kids, summer offers a great opportunity. Longer visits allow you to bond with your child, which is crucial to ensure a healthy relationship. However, keep in mind that some kids may be reluctant to spend a great deal of time away from home, particularly if they’re younger. In this case, parents can work together to determine the appropriate amount of time to spend away from home, whether that’s a weekend or month.
Get your child’s input
If your child is a bit older, be sure to involve him or her in the planning process. As kids grow older, it’s natural that they want to spend more time with their friends and you should definitely take this into account when planning vacations and other activities. Allowing your child to have a say also makes the process a bit easier to handle, as the child in question is bound to feel more control over the situation.
Be willing to compromise
Accept that you’re not always going to get your way when it comes to planning. The focus should be on your kids and sufficiently meeting their needs, which means both you and your ex-spouse will need to work together. Also, don’t criticize the choices your ex makes when it comes to entertaining your kids.