As we close out the first week of May, parents are realizing that summer vacation time is just around the corner. For newly separated or divorced parents, this could be their first time navigating the intricacies of summer child custody schedules.
It can also get quite complicated. Factoring in both parents’ work schedules, travel plans and children’s commitments to sports teams, summer camps and even their own part-time jobs can seem impossible. Below are some variations of summer custody schedules that might work for your family.
There’s no one-size-fits-all plan
Every child custody schedule should fit the individual needs of each family’s particular circumstances. For instance, nurses and firefighters and others typically work extended, overnight shifts that can make it difficult to supervise the kids during the daytime hours when school is usually in session.
For those families, block custody, where each parent has the kids for a series of consecutive days, may be practical.
Communicate and compromise
Especially when the split is fresh, these can be some tall orders indeed. Some co-parents find that using special parenting apps to communicate solely about the children and custody arrangements works best.
Learning the art of compromise early on can save you much grief later when it’s you who needs the favor from your co-parent. Keeping the interests of the children primary in all your parenting decisions will guide your decisions.
Get a temporary custody order in place
Divorces can drag on, but the custody of your children can and should be established (at least preliminarily) now. Learning more about the child custody laws of the state of Tennessee can guide your strategy.
