Your child probably looks forward to summer vacation all year long. However, if they share custody, it can be stressful for parents. Trying to arrange pick-ups and drop-offs over three months can be challenging.
While this is true, divorced parents must tread these custody waters carefully to ensure their child doesn’t feel like a burden. Some tips to ensure summer break custody exchanges go smoothly can be found here.
Communicate your needs and plans early
If you have a custody agreement in place, you may already know when your child will be with you and when they will be away. However, even in these situations, it’s up to you to arrange where and when pick-ups and drop-offs will occur.
Make sure to talk about this early in the summer and set up a schedule if possible. Also, if plans change for some reason, communicate these to your spouse as early as possible. Besides discussing these matters, limit any other conversation. This is going to help prevent the potential of conflict.
Set boundaries
When it comes to custody exchanges, some parents fight over where it occurs. Try to find a neutral location that is somewhere in the middle for both parties.
However, if you have agreed to come to one another’s house, be sure to let your ex know what you are and aren’t comfortable with. This is something they should do as well. Establishing boundaries will help everything move smoothly.
Keeping things cordial this summer
If you want to ensure things go smoothly with custody exchanges this summer, be sure to use the tips above. The fact is that your child loves both parents and deserves to see you both. While it may be inconvenient at times, making sure custody exchanges are smooth for everyone will pay off.
