The beginning of Summer means a lot of things – vacations, beach, pool, no school – and for divorced parents -- a big disruption to the parenting schedule. For many families, the structure and order of the school year gives way to chaos when summer rolls around, and parents must struggle to cobble together a schedule that keeps their children safe and entertained.
So what’s the best way to deal with this problem? Plan ahead. Start early researching what programs are available in your area that would appeal to your children and fit your budget. If necessary, create a special savings account to cover these additional expenses. Talk to your ex about what his/her summer vacation plans are, and which weeks he/she is available to take the kids. Create a joint calendar so that everyone knows where the kids and parents are going to be over this 10-week period. Proper planning can make things work smoothly for everyone.
At Westfield Mediation, LLC, we generally include summer schedules in our parenting plans so that there is a framework in place. While flexibility is required as the kids get older and the family’s needs change, it is useful to have a blueprint for summer plans that can be tweaked each year. In addition, we can work with families to update and adjust parenting agreements that no longer make sense.
A workable plan-- made in advance -- is the key to making the summer a season of fun and relaxation.
For more information about divorce mediation contact Randi M. Albert, JD, or Michelle Weinberg, LMFT, at Westfield Mediation, LLC at 908.913.0373. View our website at www.westfieldnjmediation.com or email us at info@westfieldnjmediation.com.
So what’s the best way to deal with this problem? Plan ahead. Start early researching what programs are available in your area that would appeal to your children and fit your budget. If necessary, create a special savings account to cover these additional expenses. Talk to your ex about what his/her summer vacation plans are, and which weeks he/she is available to take the kids. Create a joint calendar so that everyone knows where the kids and parents are going to be over this 10-week period. Proper planning can make things work smoothly for everyone.
At Westfield Mediation, LLC, we generally include summer schedules in our parenting plans so that there is a framework in place. While flexibility is required as the kids get older and the family’s needs change, it is useful to have a blueprint for summer plans that can be tweaked each year. In addition, we can work with families to update and adjust parenting agreements that no longer make sense.
A workable plan-- made in advance -- is the key to making the summer a season of fun and relaxation.
For more information about divorce mediation contact Randi M. Albert, JD, or Michelle Weinberg, LMFT, at Westfield Mediation, LLC at 908.913.0373. View our website at www.westfieldnjmediation.com or email us at info@westfieldnjmediation.com.
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