SPF children: Avoiding the potential 
burn of summer visitation!
As the school year ends, divorced parents face the challenge of managing extended summer visitation with their children during the summer. Even with a court-ordered schedule, this can be a difficult time under any circumstances.
Between going to the beach, having cookouts with friends, attending a local event, or enjoying a round of golf, summers in the Lowcountry offer plenty of activities for families to enjoy. Whether you choose to “tee up” or not, below are a few tips to ensure that a smooth transition into extended summer visitation is “P.A.R. for the course.”
Plan accordingly.
Children thrive on routine, and summer visitation schedules usually vary substantially from the routines they became accustomed to during the school year. To efficiently switch into an extended schedule of summer visitation, it is vital to plan ahead. Whether you have to schedule time off from work, or alter your work schedule when your children are visiting, make sure to set aside appropriate time to participate in summer activities with your children. Be open to some changes in the schedule, but implement a set schedule to ensure stability for everyone involved.
Acknowledge the other parent.
Despite the feelings you have towards your former spouse, it is important to realize and acknowledge that they are the other parent. Keeping children in the animosity of separation or divorce may cause them to develop feelings of insecurity and divided loyalty. Check your ego at the door, focus on your children, and help them participate in a productive relationship with their other parent. Allow your children to speak frequently with their other parent and spend time with them during their summer vacation. This will only help build your bond with your children.
Recognize the potential impact on your children.
A significant change in schedule can bring up emotions for your children, both good and bad. Try to understand the situation from your children’s perspective and help them control their emotions and focus on connecting with their other parent. How you react during this time greatly affects everyone involved, especially your children. If children are to benefit from spending extended time with either parent, they need to feel a sense of security and stability from both parents. Speaking about the stability of parents, humorist Franklin P. Jones once said “Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they’re going to catch you in next.”
Contact McGrath Law Firm to learn your rights!
If you are interested in avoiding unnecessary conflict, prefer to be fully informed of your legal rights, and want your interests pursued and protected, we invite you to speak with our attorneys at McGrath Law Firm, P.A. The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging process of divorce, custody, and visitation to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. Call us to schedule your consultation at (843) 606-2755.