Wilson Family Law LLC, 667 Shunpike Road, Suite 5, Chatham, NJ 07928
With summer soon approaching, it is important for parents to plan ahead and begin discussing their summer schedules. The summertime can result in your child’s routine becoming much more variable and can become a source of co-parenting stress. The goal is to create a stable schedule for your child, which can be achieved by setting egos aside and maintaining open communication
At Wilson Family Law LLC, we recommend that each party print out a calendar or create a shared Google Calendar for June through August. Each party can then sit down and populate it with the children’s camps and activities. You can color-code the calendar to indicate parenting time for each day, as well as any vacations scheduled with the children. Additionally, a Google Calendar can be updated in real time to account for daily changes. Summertime co-parenting requires both parties to accommodate the flexibility of a child’s ever-changing schedule. This exercise can be advantageous in simplifying the schedule into a digestible format that the entire family can follow to remain aligned.
Additionally, summertime co-parenting can present more challenges than during the school year due to the increased free time in your child’s schedule. Last-minute playdates and activities naturally arise, so establishing a system of open communication between both parents is key. It is vital to set your ego aside and focus on what is best for your child. Although it may feel personal at times, your child may be invited to an impromptu pool day or sleepover that falls during your scheduled parenting time. You do not want resentment or negativity toward your ex to prevent your child from having meaningful experiences with their friends. Compromise is critical, as your child’s need for socialization may occasionally conflict with your parenting time.
If co-parents are unable to reach an agreement on summer plans, a Parenting Coordinator can help guide those decisions. Most Marital Settlement Agreements and co-parenting plans require that both parties consent to shared expenses for a child’s activities. It can be difficult to agree on camps, sports, and other summer activities. Since these decisions must be unanimous, a session with a Parenting Coordinator can help facilitate the process. They can listen to both sides as a neutral third party and provide recommendations in the best interest of the child, helping resolve disputes outside of court.
Ultimately, creating a shared calendar and taking the time now to map out your summer can reduce future stress and miscommunication. While schedule changes are inevitable, maintaining structure is crucial so that your children have a schedule they can rely on.
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Wilson Family Law LLC
667 Shunpike Road, Suite 5
Chatham, NJ 07928
Office: 973-520-4275 Fax: 973-378-0603
email: cindy@wilsonfamilylawllc.com
Website: wilsonfamillylawllc.com