Holiday Parenting Arrangement Ideas
The extended Christmas summer holidays are a time of relaxing, unwinding and re-charging the batteries. When it comes to making child arrangements with your co-parent, there are a few different approaches and factors to consider.
Generally, there are 6 weeks to think about, and it is best to pre-plan and make arrangements well in advance so everybody knows what is going on and everyone can look forward to making holiday plans and arrangements without stress and worry (this time of year is hard enough!)
Here are some suggestions that can help in your discussions and negotiations.
1. Split down the middle, approximately 3 weeks with each parent.
Pro: Minimal changeovers. This is best suited when there is a large geographical distance that may involve extended car travel or flights.
Con: 3 weeks is a long time for the children to be away from either parent (if that is not usual).
2. Week on/Week off: 7-day cycle with each parent which continues until the holidays end.
Pro: A week is a good amount of quality time and not too long between seeing each parent.
Con: One week may not be quite enough time to go away on holiday.
3. 10 day cycle with each parent (my favourite)
Pro: Good amount of time with each parent and enough time to go away on holiday.
Con: 10 days may be too long for some children.
Other factors will come into play when considering any arrangements. Factors such as the age and development of the children, holiday leave available to parents, the commencement of the arrangements and any other factors unique to your family.
When discussing and negotiating possible options and arrangements with your co-parent, think outside the square, be flexible, and be prepared to sacrifice and compromise.
Bendigo Mediation's Top Negotiation Tip is to: Give a little to get a little and meet in the middle!
If you are having trouble meeting in the middle, give us a call to find out how we can help. Happy negotiations!