Parents rarely look forward to summer vacation as much as their kids do—unless they have a joint child custody arrangement with their ex. For moms and dads who do not get to see their children as often as they want during the school year, the break is a welcome reprieve. But how do you divide the time off fairly and ensure the kids enjoy it, too? Below, the compassionate family law team at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. in Lake St. Louis, MO, shares a few tips.

How to Divide the Kids’ Summer Vacation 

1. Plan Overnight Trips in Advance 

Spontaneous trips can be fun, but parents who share child custody should plan any overnight excursions in advance. If there is a particular destination you want the kids to visit over summer vacation, start making necessary arrangements, like “negotiating” with the other parent for a few extra consecutive days, in the spring.   

2. Consider Their Best Interests

Has your child been begging to go to an overnight summer camp for years? Does your ex live closer to fun outdoor excursions that are only accessible in the summer months? As much as you might want to spend every day with the kids, it’s important to consider their best interests. What will make this a memorable and rewarding vacation for them and what kind of arrangement will it require? Most parents will have to be flexible about custody and visitation as their children get older when they begin to value social outings as much as family time. 

3. Make the Most of Every Day 

If the kids go away to camp, you may only get to spend a fraction of the summer with them. Make the most of your time together by planning something special, even if it’s just a trip to the movies. Likewise, take time for yourself while they’re away by pursuing passions and hobbies. Finding fulfillment will make it easier to split the vacation and can help you be a better parent too. 

If you’re in the middle of a contentious child custody battle—or want to modify the current arrangement for summer and beyond—turn to Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C., in Lake St. Louis, MO. When it comes to family law, their areas of expertise include adoption, child support, visitation, and divorce. You can learn more about all the legal services they provide clients throughout St. Charles County by visiting their website. To schedule an initial consultation with a divorce attorney on their team, call (636) 561-5599.