Ensure a Great Summer for Everyone
Summer is officially upon us, and while children everywhere are either wrapping up their school activities or are already out for the season, co-parents may be filled with fear of how they will work through this challenging time of year. It can be difficult to figure out how to balance parenting responsibilities when you’re not living under the same roof.
Fortunately, summer does not have to mean a headache for you and your co-parent. Consider the tips outlined in this blog as you prepare to give your child a fantastic summer.
Communicate Early and Often
One of the most important things you can do as co-parents is to communicate early and often. This means having regular check-ins (whether in person, via text, or email) to discuss how things are going and troubleshoot any issues.
It’s also important to be clear about your expectations for each other and for your children. For example, if you have different rules for screen time during the summer months, be sure to discuss this ahead of time so there are no surprises.
By communicating regularly and being upfront about your expectations, you can help ensure a smooth and successful summer for everyone involved.
Work Through Challenges with Grace
One of the most important aspects of summer co-parenting is learning how to work through challenges with your co-parent. This can be anything from disagreements about activities or schedules to major conflict. It’s important to remember that you are both working towards the same goal: providing a happy, healthy summer for your kids.
Here are some tips for working through challenges with grace:
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Try to see things from your co-parent’s perspective.
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Communicate openly and honestly, without blame or criticism.
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Seek compromise whenever possible.
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Be willing to let go of minor disagreements.
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Keep the big picture in mind and don’t sweat the small stuff.
If you can find ways to work through challenges with your co-parent, you’ll be setting the stage for a successful summer. And who knows — you might even find that you have more in common than you thought!
Don’t Panic When Interruptions Occur
It’s inevitable that things will come up over the summer that interferes with your schedule. Maybe your kids’ camps get canceled or you have to go out of town for a family emergency. Whatever the interruption, it’s important to stay calm. Getting upset will only make the situation more difficult for everyone involved.
If you need to make changes to your schedule, talk to your co-parent as soon as possible. The sooner you communicate, the easier it will be to work out a solution that works for everyone. It’s also important to be flexible. You may need to adjust your plans from day to day, and that’s okay.
Remember, the goal is to make sure your children have a fun and safe summer. If you can do that, everything else will fall into place.
Don’t Show Frustration In Front of Your Child
It’s important to remember that your child is not responsible for the break-up of their parents. No matter how much you may be upset with your co-parent, it’s crucial that you don’t let your child see you frustrated. This will only serve to upset them and make them feel like they are caught in the middle of two warring factions. If you need to vent about your co-parent, do so in private and away from your child.
Get Help from a Co-Parenting Coach
If you and your co-parent find that you are having trouble navigating these crucial months of the year, be sure to reach out to the team at Alternative Divorce Solutions. Our co-parenting coach can help you and your co-parent learn to communicate better and to work together in order to provide your child with the best summer yet.
Learn more about our co-parenting coaching service or about mediation by calling us at 949-368-2121 or by visiting us online.