Whether you are in the midst of a divorce or have just recently gotten divorced and you have kids still at home, you will learn how challenging the summer break time can be. Many other Illinois parents have had to navigate this time as well and it can be quite different than figuring out how to manage a relatively regular school-year schedule.
Instead of being bound by strict times to be places and the need to go to bed early, kids eagerly look forward to the lazier, more relaxed days of summer. Parents, too, can enjoy a break from having to be uber diligent about schedules and requirements. This can all contribute to a time in which parents and kids can bond in a different way due to the easier cadence of daily life and the freedom to do different things.
However, some of that ability can be impeded when you have to split time with your kids with an ex-spouse. Your ability to be spontaneous can be limited as you will need to coordinate and cooperate with the other parent. Doing so politely is in your best interest and your kids’ best interests. Parenting magazine even suggests that maintaining a child-centric approach to plans is helpful. This may even include letting older kids weigh in on or even choose what they want to do and who they want to be with.
If you would like to learn more about summer breaks and visitation, please feel free to visit the parent-child time page of our Illinois family law website.
