Don’t delay making parenting arrangements until the school holiday arrives!
Separated parents are urged to plan ahead for the school summer holidays to ensure a smooth and stress-free period for everyone involved.
“School holidays bring a change of routine,” says Rebekah Gershuny, Principal of Evolve Family Mediation. “Living arrangements that work well in term-time can prove inadequate in the summer when routines change.”
As Accredited Family Mediators we are frequently asked for help by separated parents who struggle to agree on the best arrangements for their children during the long school break.
Rising stress levels
“The time children will spend with each parent during this period can be difficult to agree upon, and as the holiday approaches, stress levels can rise,” Rebekah Gershuny explains. “It’s not just about who will look after the children day-to-day, you may also need to consider special arrangements for one or other parent taking the children away for a summer break.”
Added complications can arise, such as:
- Funding for summer breaks: how will any summer holiday expenses be funded?
- New partners: how might a parent’s new partner be included in any holiday plans?
- Grandparents’ role: what role might grandparents play during the school holiday?
“We can help you tailor a plan that fits your unique family circumstances and our advice is to get in touch soon,” added Rebekah Gershuny.
By making arrangements in good time, both parents know what to expect, reducing stress and providing peace of mind. It also helps children understand what is planned for the weeks ahead, providing them with stability and predictability.
For more information about the benefits of family mediation offered by Evolve Family Mediation can visit www.evolvefamilymediation.co.uk or call 01923 909343.
Image by Khachik Simonian, Unsplash