This is your first summer as divorced co-parents, and you know it’s going to be a bit different for the children. They’re used to going on summer vacation trips, and you used to do it as a family. Now that you’ve gotten divorced, you’re not sure exactly what that’s going to look like.
One thing you may have heard is that some couples still take those family vacations, even though they’re divorced. Why would they do this?
Focusing on the children
The biggest reason, of course, is that they believe the kids will be happy if they’re still able to go on vacation just like they did before. The children may have expressed a desire to spend time with both parents while they travel to exciting new places, rather than just one or the other.
They may also be thinking about the potential stability, which is important to children. It can make them feel like life hasn’t changed so much, which can be nice when they have actually spent the last year moving through many changes. The vacation gives them a sense of normalcy. The summer months are very important to kids, who enjoy the freedom, so this is one way that parents can make it even better.
Of course, there are risks to doing this, and it is certainly not for everyone. You need to have clear boundaries and be on good terms, despite the divorce. But you can see why it is attractive for those who can make it work.
As with every part of your child custody situation, always be sure you know your rights and legal options while determining your schedule this summer.