Whether you’re newly divorced or not, summer vacations can be a stressful topic for families balancing child custody agreements. And while it’s true that some adjustments are necessary when planning vacations post-divorce, it doesn’t require stress! Keep reading for tips on making your summer plans – from trips abroad to staycations – fun and fulfilling for everyone.
- Plan Ahead
Be intentional about making family time true to its name. Save personal travel agendas and adult activities for another time. And when you’re with your kids, avoid catching up on work as much as possible!
- Communicate Details!
- With Your Ex-Spouse: Be considerate and avoid drama and tension by communicating travel details and requirements ahead of time.
- With Your Kids: This helps set expectations, minimize confusion and anxiety, and build excitement – especially for younger kids!
Clarity and communication all around will help both you and your kids have a better vacation experience!
- Cover Your Bases
Traveling internationally? Your child will usually need written notarized permission from each parent in addition to their passport. You should consult your ex-spouse on where they are comfortable with their children visiting. Remember that safety levels of a particular country or region can change rapidly!
It’s important to research which countries recognize the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, which seeks to prevent child abduction and provide a legal framework for the return of children who have been abducted in violation of a valid court order.
- Invite Friends
Kids often worry about when they will see their friends over summer. Consider inviting your children’s friends (with parental permission) on outings or staycations.
- Don’t Make it a Competition
It might be tempting to try to “outdo” your ex by planning an extravagant trip for your children. But kids aren’t that impressed by money and luxury. What your children crave is quality time with you. Make sure you are fully present. Don’t focus on impressing or aggravating the other parent. Don’t focus on making yourself look like the better, wealthier, or more exciting parent. Just enjoy quality time with your kids, that’s what they will appreciate, enjoy, and remember most.
- Consider Your Child’s Perspective
As an adult traveler, you might want to tackle a large bucket list, attend fancy restaurants, or spend hours exploring a city or museum. But remember what it’s like to be a kid! Sometimes kids just want to chill and watch a movie or play a video game. And that’s okay! That can be cherished quality time too! Woman’s Divorce recommends NOT planning a packed schedule for every day of your vacation with your children. Remember to take it easy and include downtime.
- Relax!
That’s the point of summer vacations, right? Children are intuitive when it comes to anxiety, frustration, and stress – and might feed off of your attitude or start believing that they have caused the problems. You don’t have to impress anyone, win any competition, or stress out about summer vacations. Just soak up the sun and the quality time with your kids.
Remember that if you have questions about your divorce, child custody agreements, child support, or other family law matter, you can count on Michael M. Raheb for trusted legal support. Call 239-226-0888 or send us a message online.
The Law Offices of
Michael M. Raheb, P.A.
2423 First Street,
Fort Myers FL 33901
Office: 239-226-0888
Fax Number: 866-949-0888
