Divorcing parents in California may face a tough transition to co-parenting. When both parents are heavily involved in their children’s lives, they may find it difficult to only spend a portion of their time with their children in their homes. However, developing a relatively positive co-parenting climate can also be important to supporting their children’s mental and emotional health, and many parents strive to do so. The summer months can add some additional stress, however, as the set schedule of school gives way to more unstructured time, vacation plans and other warm-weather activities.
There are several tips that parents can keep in mind to help them adjust to co-parenting together after divorce during the summer months. Communication is important at any time of year, but this is especially true for special plans over the summer months. When one parent can discuss vacations and other activities with the other parent long in advance, it can help both to create a schedule that works for the children and the parents. In addition, as plans are prone to change, a shared online calendar posted in both homes can help everyone to keep track of key events and activities, avoiding cross-scheduling and the disputes that it can produce.
Summer is also an important time to help protect children from parental conflict. Parents should take care to avoid pressuring their children to choose sides, especially when there is a conflict between co-parents over summer activities and plans. It is important for children not to feel like they are a cause of conflict between their parents.
It is possible to arrive at a successful co-parenting relationship that works throughout the year, even after a sometimes-contentious divorce. A family law attorney may help a divorcing parent to successfully negotiate parenting plans, child custody and visitation.