California parents want nothing more than for their child to be happy and thriving. It is possible to parent efficiently, even if you and your child’s other parent are no longer in a relationship with one another. The child custody arrangement may have outlined details about custody, but how do you stay sane when your kids are out of school for the summer?

Just like any other kid out of school for summer break, the summer sports, activities and playdates seem to never end. Figuring out how to align your schedule with your child’s schedule and your child’s other parent’s schedule is the real challenge. The first thing to consider is your child’s wishes, especially when your child is old enough to communicate those. You may need to formulate a plan that is more detailed than the original child custody order. For example, you may need to decide on exact pick up and drop off times and locations, to ensure you and your child’s other parent are on the same page.

Also, it’s not a bad idea to give the child’s other parent a copy of your child’s schedule, just in case you or the other parent has an emergency and cannot be at a certain place at a certain time. But beyond emergency situations, it’s important to stick to the schedule as much as possible to ensure a stress-free experience for both you, your child and your child’s other parent. That goes along with not dropping last minute demands on your child’s parent. Naturally, things will come up, but avoiding this behavior as much as possible is best for everyone.

Remember to make plans for yourself, especially when your kid is under the care of the other parent. This is a great time to unwind and relax. A therapist can help a person work through the separation anxiety or sadness a parent may experience when sending a child elsewhere over the summer. It’s normal to feel this way, but it doesn’t mean one should suffer with it alone.

In the end, making sure to comply with the original child custody schedule along with any agreed-upon details can help ensure everyone has a good summer. Parents who have questions about an existing child custody order or who wish to modify it may want to discuss the matter with their attorney.

Source: Huffington Post, “HOW TO HANDLE THE VISITATION ARRANGEMENTS WITH YOUR EX OVER SUMMER VACATION,” Steve Mindel, June 20, 2017