Summertime visitation can be stressful for kids of divorced parents – and for the divorced parents. For those whose custody arrangement includes one parent having primary custody during the school year and the other having limited visitation, it might be particularly difficult to transition to the summertime custody schedule. If modifications are in order, you can always consult with family law and child custody lawyers in Blackfoot about how to handle your unique situation. Baker and Harris Law is experienced in handling child custody modifications and agreements and can help you determine a schedule that works for your family. 

Summertime Custody Tips To Help Transition To The New Schedule

Every family has unique needs based on what is best for everyone involved. This can include where each parent lives, parent work schedules, summertime activities of the children and more. To make the transition as easy as possible, try working with these tips. 

1. Keep your emotions in check – Your kids are going to notice a shift in your attitude or demeanor. Your kids might be anxious and nervous about spending extended time with a non-custodial parent and it can be stressful for them. Listen to their concerns and point out all of the positive reasons they have for spending time with the other parent. Voicing your anxiety or focusing on negative aspects is going to make the transition more difficult for your children – which no parent wants to do. Be mindful of your attitude and approach to the situation and your child will likely follow suit.
2. Allow feelings to come up, but keep it on a positive track – If your children are really struggling with the summertime transition, consider setting up a few sessions with a mental health specialist before the summer schedule starts. An experienced specialist can help with anxiety coping skills and opening up new ways to view the situation that can make the experience feel more positive.
3. Plan a meeting with the non-custodial parent – Help the other parent get on the same page and understand where the kids are at emotionally and mentally. Any information that you can provide to the non-custodial parent can help them navigate the waters in a consistent way with your children. Make sure your co-parent understands rules, expectations and any disciplinary actions that they should be aware of. Be sure to lay out any information that they need for medical and behavioral purposes and anything of significant importance that they should be aware of.
4. Remember that it’s ok for some rules to be different at the other parent’s house – Keep in mind that some rules are going to be different at the other parent’s house and it’s ok. Some parents don’t allow food in the living room while others love eating dinner and watching movies together. Some parents may want the kids to help with cooking and others don’t. The kids may be allowed later bedtimes during the summer months than you would allow during the school year. All of these things are ok – and it’s good for your children to understand that different people have different expectations. Remind your children that the rules at the other parent’s house are their rules and that the rules at your house will not change. 

Your kids are going to miss you and you are going to miss them – that is completely normal. But keep in mind that it is good for everyone (including you) for the non-custodial parent to be involved and to have visitation and their personal time with the kids. 

Baker And Harris Law – Family Law And Child Custody Lawyers In Blackfoot

The summer will end quickly and your kids will be back home, getting ready for a new school year. Be excited to hear how they coped with the transition, how they bonded with the other parent, and how they felt about the experience. Every year it can get easier and easier – just work on focusing on the positives of the situation. If you have concerns about upcoming custody agreement schedules – contact the professionals at Baker And Harris Law – our lawyers can help you figure out a solution that will work for your family.