Summer is an exciting but stressful time for co-parents. Children are out of school, schedules change, and vacations are planned. Co-parenting during the summer months requires coordination, cooperation, and flexibility.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how summer parenting schedules can differ depending on your child’s age and provide some examples of common visitation schedules. Our goal is to help you feel more informed and empowered as you navigate your summer co-parenting plan.
Common Summer Visitation Schedules
Below are common summer visitation schedules that work well for co-parents during the summer months:
2-2-5-5 schedule. Children spend two nights with one parent, two nights with the other parent, followed by five consecutive days with the first parent, and then five consecutive days with the other parent.
Every weekend. One parent has the child on weekdays, and the co-parent has the child every weekend. This schedule works well if either party has the summer off (because they are an educator or work in a similar profession).
Alternating months. Each parent has the child for one entire month of the summer, and you alternate on a set day of the month.
Alternating every two weeks. Parents will each spend two weeks with their child and then alternate who has physical custody throughout the summer.
How Summer Parenting Plans Can Change Based on Age
When determining what custody schedule will work best for you and your family, there are a variety of factors to consider, including your child’s age. Below, we will discuss what plans work best for children of different ages.
Infants & Toddlers
The youngest children often have the simplest summer schedules. Infants and toddlers require a lot of supervision and continuity of care to help establish a sense of safety and security. Co-parenting schedules for children under three may involve shorter visits more frequently.
This could mean alternating days or even mornings and afternoons. Keeping a consistent routine can help your child feel more comfortable and secure during this time of transition. It is also important to consider the needs of the parents when planning schedules for infants and toddlers as they require a lot of energy and attention.
School-Aged Children
Once children begin school, summer schedules can become more complicated as the school day's structure disappears. Parents may need to cooperate to accommodate both work schedules and the children’s leisure activities. For school-aged children, co-parenting schedules may involve alternating weeks or weekends.
Summer camps and vacations can also disrupt the regular schedule. It is essential to keep communication open between both parents to ensure that both are aware of changes in plans and schedules.
Teens
Teenagers often have their own ideas about summer activities and may have jobs and social engagements that must be accommodated. Co-parenting during the summers can help balance a teen’s need for independence with the responsibilities of spending quality time with both parents.
A common co-parenting schedule for teenagers can involve one parent taking the first half of the summer, and the other taking the second half. Parents can give teens more freedom to plan activities, while also providing support and structure for when they are needed.
Consult with Our Child Custody & Visitation Attorney
Co-parenting during the summer months offers a fantastic opportunity to create lifelong memories for your children. Develop a summer visitation schedule that works best for everyone involved, considering the children's age group and their summer commitments, and compromises where needed.
William Kirby Law, Family Law Attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients protect their families’ best interests. We can help you understand your legal rights and options concerning child custody and visitation, and we can also discuss what type of summer custody schedule can work for you and your family.
Contact us online or via phone at (215) 515-9901 to schedule an initial consultation today.