Summer tips for parents apart and co-parents

For every parent, the long summer holidays require some careful thought and preparation, but for separated and often working parents, there are additional hurdles to navigate. Our summer survival guide for separated parents will take the sting out of summer and keep your co-parenting relationship on track into the new term.

Here are our top summer tips for parents apart and co-parents…

Plan ahead

I don’t just mean a few weeks in advance (although this is a good approach!) I mean well in advance by completing a parenting plan. There are lots of decisions to make bringing up kids and it's harder when you don’t live together. A parenting plan (PP) is a written document (or digital agreement in the case of our co-parenting app) that sets out how you’ll look after your kids as separated parents. Typically, a parenting plan will cover:

• Where the kids will live
• How they will be brought up
• How and when you will each spend time with them during holidays

If you’ve made an agreement together and covered the basic principles of how you’ll co-parent you will take the heat out of holiday arrangements. Most parents review arrangements and make amends each year as the kids’ needs change, agreeing one from the offset will give you both a starting point or even detailed arrangements to work with. You can complete a parenting plan on our app.

The right mindset

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned after years of helping people is that if both parents are in the right mindset, then even tricky logistical situations can be overcome. Things usually become difficult when something else is wrong or going on beneath the surface. So, before you start your summer holiday planning, give yourself a quick emotional health check. Are there burning issues that are just waiting for any slight provocation to come bursting out? If there are, try to work through these before talking about the summer holidays.

The worst conflicts I have seen have happened when one parent is determined to believe their plans are being dictated by the other parent. Of course, this sometimes happens, but it’s less often the case and more often the perception that one parent is taking over. If you recognise these feelings, it’s usually a sign of unfinished separation business and it can be worth speaking to a Divorce Specialist or working through these feelings yourself.

It’s important to be mindful of both your and your co-parent’s feelings. A summer holiday away with the other parent might be the first time you have been without the kids for a long period of time. It might be the first time one parent has effectively had sole charge of the kids. Therefore, it’s natural to feel anxious. It can be hard for some parents to let go and not have charge of the kids’ schedules – especially if that has been their role in the past. But time away from your kids is also an opportunity and something to embrace, to have some time for just you.

Agree your ‘away’ holidays

There are two types of holiday arrangements: ‘going away’ holidays and, ‘childcare’ during the summer holidays. Start with the going away arrangements. Who is going where and when? Give yourself plenty of time to plan and take advantage of cheaper prices. Suggest what you’d like to do – don’t dictate and don’t book without speaking to the other parent – strike a balance. You’re not inviting your co-parent to veto your arrangements but equally, you’re not doing what you want without discussion. It’s quite a fine line, so many parents find it easier to plan in writing. The amicable divorce app has pre-populated options you can tailor to your family and text to your co-parent to help make these arrangements neutrally and quickly. It can also be helpful to have a record of your conversation if things become unclear.

Ensure that both of you have information to feel comfortable about the holiday your children are going on. After all, you both have parental responsibility irrespective of who they live with most of the time. So, expect to tell the other parent about travel and accommodation details and who else is going to be on the holiday. If you’re going to be doing risky activities (things your travel insurance company charges extra or lists) discuss these before you go. Be aware some countries require the other parent’s written consent as well as a passport to enter if you are travelling alone with children so check with your travel agent or the passport office what is required.

Try not to get caught up in ‘holiday top trumps’

You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a memorable holiday for your kids. If your ‘away-with-the-kids’ time is a staycation, then be creative; 20 minutes googling summer activities with kids will produce a great bucket list! Here’s a starter Bucket List.

If all else fails, get your kids to earn a Blue Peter badge and you can visit all these attractions for free.

Ages and stages of your kids

It's normal to want to spend time away with the kids and once kids reach school age, this usually isn’t an issue. It can be harder for younger children to spend long periods of time away from a main carer (if there is one). And so, frequent shorter breaks may be more appropriate. For very young or nursed infants, days out might be more appropriate. Older kids will probably need and want to be consulted about holiday arrangements, so it’s best to get their views and work those into the arrangements you make together as parents. Remember to agree things with your ex-partner before confirming arrangements with your kids.

Kids may want and need to speak to the other parent whilst away, so build in a plan for how and when the kids will phone or Facetime the other parent, especially if they aren’t used to being away from that parent. Demonstrate to the kids that you understand rather than telling them they’ll be home soon etc. Remember not to take things personally. If you usually see your kids on weekends and they’re going away for a week they may not need to call you even if they called the other parent – they don’t love you any less.

If you would like to learn more about co-parenting at different ages and stages, listen to this episode of The Divorce Podcast where Kate Daly was joined by clinical therapist and manager, Julie Cooper, to discuss the reality of co-parenting across the varying stages of childhood:

Holiday childcare for separated parents

Many parents have agreements in place to split the holiday care of their kids. If your kids are at school, this means covering a minimum of six to seven weeks each over the year. Many working parents therefore must make alternative arrangements like unpaid leave, time spent with grandparents, or summer camps. There are lots of different approaches depending on the strength and quality of your co-parenting relationship.

Ultimately, if you have agreed to halve the holiday care, you are responsible for organising and paying for it irrespective of where the children usually live. However, if one of you has a better network, more willing parents, or better kids-camps then think about what the kids would want and don’t become overly focused on dividing things exactly. Try to remain flexible because that way your kids get the best deal. Most importantly, agree in advance who is responsible for investigating/signing up for the camps and how you are splitting the costs.

If your kids are older, agree on a common set of ground rules to govern activities and how much time children of different ages can spend at home alone. There are no hard and fast rules or laws about this, but the NSPCC has guidance here.

The summer holidays are a great chance to ditch the routine and kick back for a bit. Most kids these days need the downtime the summer offers and appreciate the change of routine. Whatever your co-parenting relationship, we know organising holiday time can be especially tough. The amicable co-parenting app can help take the sting out of summer negotiations with its pre-formatted suggestions and text communication.

FAQs

How can you make the summer holidays great as a single parent?

If you’re a single parent, and you’re concerned that you can’t provide an expensive or fun holiday for your kids, you don’t have to shell out your savings for a lavish summer holiday abroad. There are plenty of options out there for both you and your children. No matter your family model, you can get some ideas for planning your summer holidays in this guide.

What do working parents do during summer?

If you’re a working parent and you can’t take holiday time off during the summer, there are plenty of options available for your children that can make their summer memorable and exciting, without being expensive or making you take time off work. Many working parents make alternative arrangements such as giving children time to spend with their grandparents or sending them to summer camps where they can learn valuable skills. Some schools offer summer care for children and if they don’t want to be at summer school, there are always local childminders who can take care of them.

How can you have an exciting summer as a separated or co-parent if you need to work?

Knowing how to have a good summer if you must work throughout the holidays can be tough. However, even small things like meeting up with your friends for lunch or spending time with your children when you’re not at work can lead to a good summer experience for both you and your kids.