How to Handle Summer Vacations as a Divorced Parent in Manhattan

Now that a lot of people have been fully vaccinated, and things are starting to open up in New York, people are starting to travel again and plan summer vacations. However, planning a summer vacation for a divorced parent can be quite challenging. It requires you to communicate with your ex-spouse and it requires cooperation on both sides to make the vacation happen. The good news is that you can learn how to handle summer vacations as a divorced parent in Manhattan. 

Follow the Tips Below to Plan and Manage your Summer Vacations as a Divorced Parent:

1) Plan Ahead: planning ahead of time is the best way to make sure that your summer vacation goes smoothly with your children. Planning ahead also allows you to work out issues with your ex-spouse in case you have disagreements about schedules and vacation locations. 

2) Communicate Effectively: communication is key to co-parenting successfully. It is also important to communicate effectively when it comes to discussing summer vacations, holidays, and visitation dates regarding your children. 

3) Keep Special Events and Holidays in Mind: don't forget about holidays like Father's Day or Mother’s Day, as you probably won't want to ask for taking your son or daughter on a trip during an important holiday that would be insensitive to the other parent.  Also remember birthdays, as your ex-spouse may want to spend their birthday with their children, as it would be a reasonable request on their part.  By being more accommodating to special events and holidays, you can foster a better co-parenting relationship with your ex.  

4) Plan Day Activities During the Summer that are Easier to Organize:  you can organize a beach day, a picnic, a trip to the zoo or even a play date in the park with the puppies.  Even a staycation in a hotel in your local area would be a fun and easy vacation idea with your children. 

5)  Allow Your Children to Spend Time with their Friends During the Summer: it is important for your children to have friends to play with, so make sure that you're not taking them away for the entire summer where they don't have access to any friends.  

6)  Be Open-Minded to Your Ex-Spouse’s Suggestions When It Comes to Planning a Trip: be willing to take feedback from your ex-spouse as the main goal is the best interest of your children (which is probably what they're thinking of as well when they're making suggestions). You don't necessarily have to agree with them but if you respect what they have to say they will probably have the same respect for you and that will make things a lot easier when it comes to co-parenting. 

6) Allow Your Children to be Part of the Vacation Planning Process: this is especially important if your children are teenagers because teenagers are very opinionated about what they want to do and don't want to do. If you want to have a good time with your children make sure that you ask them what they would like to do and make them feel like they are a part of the vacation planning process.  

Need Assistance with Co-Parenting in Manhattan? 

If you need help mediating co-parenting disputes, contact Sabra Law Group today for a consultation at (646) 472-7971.