Although most kids across the country haven’t even had the chance to enjoy Spring Break yet, it’s time for co-parents to start talking about summer vacation. During the summer, most parents who share custody must navigate a shift in schedules, routines and expectations. While the school year generally provides a fairly structured framework for custody arrangements, summer allows for a relative degree of flexibility—and with it, potential challenges.
March is an ideal time to begin discussions about summer plans. Waiting until late spring or early summer can lead to last-minute conflicts, making it harder to accommodate vacations, camps and other activities. Open communication now can allow both parents to express their expectations and work toward a mutually beneficial plan.
Creating a summer schedule
A clear summer schedule can help to set expectations for both parents and children alike. Key considerations may include:
- Vacation Planning: If either parent is planning a trip, they should notify the other parent as soon as possible. Providing details about travel dates, destinations and accommodations can help to build trust and allow for arrangements to be made in advance, which can save money and minimize a risk of conflicts.
- Camps and Extracurriculars: Many children participate in summer camps, sports leagues or other activities. Parents should discuss registration deadlines, transportation logistics and costs now to better ensure that both parties are in agreement about how the summer should unfold in this regard.
- Special Events: Summer often inspires family gatherings, holiday parties and other celebrations. Notifying each other in advance of any special requests can make it easier for co-parents to coordinate schedules.
Each of these concerns can be costly. Parents, therefore, should strongly consider discussing how to divide costs related to camps, travel and extracurriculars now so that everyone can plan and prepare accordingly.
Moving forward
While a structured plan is important, a reasonable degree of flexibility is arguably equally important. Unforeseen circumstances—such as weather changes, last-minute opportunities or a child’s evolving interests—may require adjustments. Approaching discussions with a willingness to compromise can generally help to prevent tension.
Ideally, summer should be a time for children to create lasting memories, not a source of stress. Proactive planning, clear communication and a child-centered approach can help parents navigate the season smoothly. By setting expectations early, parents can focus on making summer enjoyable and meaningful for everyone.