Communicate Communicate, communicate, communicate. It’s the key to making you and your spouse begin to feel comfortable with the idea of co-parenting that involves travel, and spending time away from each other. If talking in person isn’t going well at the moment, brainstorm other strategies for keeping in touch. Email, text, share calendars, talk on the phone, or do whatever you need to make things work. And that means communicating with each other, never via your children. Speaking of which, if your children are at an age where they can understand, have a talk with them, too, about the situation. Share your ideas and ask them what they would prefer. It’s a good opportunity to have a heart-to-heart about something outside of your divorce, and gives your kids back a measure of control. Respect the Schedules Co-parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. So if it’s your ex’s brother’s wedding one weekend, do what you can to schedule your trip another week. Not only does this demonstrate to your children that you respect both sides of their family and their right to be involved, it is paying respect forward for when you have an event you want your kids with you at, regardless of whose day it is supposed to be. Focus on the Children You’ve heard it often enough by now, but it can be too easy to get caught up in the frustration and uncertainty of working with your ex to make decisions. As you plan your summer trips, make sure that you are constantly adjusting your mindset to focus on what is best for your children. When it comes to duration, timing, location, and planning around other events, how can your summer trip make things easier and better for them? If you really try, it’s possible to create wonderful memories on your vacation while also making them feel confident and secure about the way things are and will be when they return home. As you plan your summer and the wonderful adventures you’ll have with your children, plan ahead and be strategic in order to create a reassuring atmosphere and conflict-free season for you and the members of your family. ]]>
