Summer Co-Parenting Tips Begin with Planning Ahead
Summer co-parenting tips can help divorced parents reduce stress while making the season fun and memorable for their children.. However, summer can be difficult on parents when it comes to juggling work, vacation, camps and childcare.
This is especially true for parents who are separated or divorced. Trying to coordinate summer schedules can cause tension and conflict. Although there is no easy way to resolve all the issues that may arise when raising children in two separate homes, there are some tips to follow to help make things easier for both the parents and the kids.
One of the most valuable summer co-parenting tips is to review your parenting agreement before school lets out. Make sure you have a clear understanding about what your agreement says aboutco-parenting during the summer months. Also, be sure to review the attached Court’s Standard Order which often adds more detail about Summer parenting terms. Make sure you review the financial obligations.
Summer Co-Parenting Tips: Plan Ahead for Special Events
Unless your decree specifies otherwise, child support payments continue during summer months even if the children are spending more time with the non-residential parent. Review any clauses regarding extra expenses such as camps, additional childcare, travel expenses, etc., as these can add up. And don’t forget about planning ahead for special events such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.
If you don’t have an agreement that includes summertime plans, then if possible, you need to sit down together and come up with a workable plan. If this is something you cannot do successfully, then you may need to contact your lawyer to help with this. There can be a lot to consider when working out a doable schedule including the logistics of transportation to summer activities, daycare, and back and forth between parent’s homes.
Try to remain flexible. Summer is often filled with celebrations, parties, reunions, and weddings. These dates may not conform with what is stated in your decree or with what you previously agreed upon. These celebrations may be planned for times when the children are not scheduled to be with the parent who would like them to attend the event. Communicating with your ex as early as possible about any special events, helps to avoid any scheduling conflicts. Schedules, like anything else, may need to be changed or modified.
Use a Shared Calendar for Summer Parenting Time
One of the easiest summer co-parenting tips is keeping a shared calendar so everyone stays informed. As long as both parents are in agreement, you can deviate from your original plan. Putting it in writing though, is always a good idea. As the children grow, their needs and interests will change, so be flexible to meet what is in their best interests.
One way to avoid misunderstandings between parents is to use a calendar. Both sets of parents should have a calendar spelling out activities, vacations, special occasions, as well as to what days and or weeks the children are to be at each house. Posting a calendar at both houses is helpful to both parents and to the kids. It helps all to see what is happening when, and what things to look forward to. Although a visual is helpful, especially for children, if it is easier to keep track of things digitally, there are tools and apps that can be utilized such as AppClose, or Our Family Wizard.
Among the best summer co-parenting tips is keeping communication directly between parents rather than involving the children. As difficult as it may be at times, try to put aside your personal feelings towards your former spouse, and communicate without negativity. Remember, it is not a competition between you and your ex to see who can provide more fun experiences. The goal is for your children to have positive memories of summertime fun with both parents.
Be Supportive of your Children
Being supportive of the time they spend with their other parent and asking them about the things they did with their other parent in a supportive manner, will let them know that they are loved and their happiness is what matters. Following these summer co-parenting tips can help children create lasting memories while making parenting after divorce less stressful for everyone. So as trying as it may be at times, hopefully by communicating and working with your ex-spouse, you can both help make summertime become a happy memory for your children.
10 Fun Summer Activities for Kids
Looking for more summer co-parenting tips? Here are ten fun activities that help children enjoy quality time with both parents:
- Hunting for rocks and enjoying painting them.
- Outdoor fun hiking, picnicking and going to the beach or a lake.
- Organize a scavenger hunt for designated treasures such as plants, trees, leaves or hide some fun trinkets much like an Easter egg hunt.
- Have a cooking/baking party which can be a very fun activity. My personal favorite was cooking homemade pizzas together!
- Have an ice cream party and set up a Sundae bar with different flavors of ice cream and fun toppings.
- Check out local libraries. They often have fun summer activities for children. Many have a reading program set up with fun incentives for reading a certain number of books. Going to the library with your child can help instill the joy of reading.
- Kids love to create and build things. Think about building something together such as a lemonade stand, or a fort in the backyard.
- Set up a backyard water park with sprinklers, or perhaps a slip in slide. Maybe even have a water balloon fight.
- Go on a long bike ride together. Stopping for ice cream would be fun.
- Plan an outing to a berry farm, and pick your own berries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Co-Parenting Tips
What are the best summer co-parenting tips?
Planning ahead, communicating respectfully, following your parenting agreement, and remaining flexible are some of the best ways to reduce stress during summer.
How do divorced parents handle summer vacations?
Most parenting agreements include provisions for vacations. Parents should review their court order early and communicate about travel plans well in advance.
Can parents change their summer parenting schedule?
Yes. Parents can agree to modify their schedule as long as both parties consent. It’s best to document any changes in writing.
Should children be involved in scheduling decisions?
Children should never be used as messengers between parents. Adults should communicate directly to avoid placing unnecessary stress on their children.
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he previously managed the Dayton law firm of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues LPA until it dissolved on December 31, 2024. He founded MUESLAW in 2025. To learn more about him or MUESLAW, visit www.MuesLaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141. He can be contacted by email at chip@mueslaw.com.
