5 Co-Parenting Tips to Prepare You for Spring Break

Whether you plan on taking a trip or getting some much-needed rest and relaxation, spring break can be a fun and busy time for families. However, it could also be a source of conflict and stress, especially for divorced parents.

It takes an immense amount of coordination and planning done by both parents for the children to have the best spring break possible. Unfortunately, many parents wait until the last minute to make plans, which can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings associated with custody and visitation issues.

The following are several tips to help divorced parents prepare for spring break:

1. Put the kids first – If you have a hard time getting along with the other parent, remember that spring break is an opportunity for the kids to have fun—which means both of you should put their needs first. If the kids have any ideas about what to do for spring break, take them into consideration. If one parent is planning an amazing trip while you are too busy at work to take time off, let your kids enjoy getting away.
2. Decide who will spend time with the kids – If a parenting plan is not in place to outline custody/visitation during spring break, both parents must agree who the children will spend time with during their spring break. Establish an arrangement which benefits both parties and your children. If you don’t get to take the kids on a trip this year, enjoy your time relaxing at home. If deciding who spends time with who is too difficult, consider working with a facilitator to reach an agreement.
3. Plan a vacation – If you plan on traveling to a fun destination with the kids, provide the other parent with the itinerary of the trip and respect their feelings. You want them to be completely comfortable with the plan to avoid conflict during your trip. If the other parent plans on taking the kids on a vacation, welcome it. You want your kids to have fun and develop a healthy relationship with both parents. You don’t want to punish the other parent and make the children suffer by shutting down any plans.
4. Stay in – If you both plan on staying at home due to work, determine a schedule that works for both parties and the children, if one is not already outlined in a parenting plan. Share each other’s work schedule and set up a schedule that enables both parties to spend quality time with their children. When it comes to fun activities that create lasting memories, check out if there are any special events happening locally or plan special days (e.g. movie/pajama day and cooking day).
5. Enjoy time for yourself – If you don’t have the children during their spring break, this is an opportunity to spend time with yourself. As long as you know what your kids are doing and are able to call/text them whenever you can, don’t worry.

If you are interested in modifying the terms of your divorce decree in Missouri, contact our Chesterfield family law attorneys at Galmiche Law Firm, P.C. today.