On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, July 31, 2013.
Summertime for children is an exciting time. The idea is that with school out of session there is plenty of time for friends, fun and relaxing. For children — including those in their teenage years — this is a particularly important time where kids get to enjoy just being kids.
For the children of divorced parents, it is particularly important for parents to realize how child custody and visitation schedules may change in the summer. In fact, these are aspects that should be thought about before a parenting plan is even finalized.
The No. 1 thing to remember is that children benefit from spending time with both of their parents all year round. However, the schedule that works during the school year may need to be adjusted during the summer months. For parents, this can mean more time traveling back and forth from house to house with the children and more time spent scheduling.
Parents should also not be surprised by children acting differently. While during the school year there may have been overnight stays and weekend visits, if these stays are extended for longer periods of time over the summer months, it may be hard for a child to adjust to the new lifestyle and new rules of a home. If a parent is remarried with another family, there could also be some hurt feelings and jealousy issues with stepsiblings.
In the end, the message is that while it is important for children to spend time with both parents, it is also important for parents to try and be flexible with schedules and realize that some emotions may come up associated with longer stays.
