Summer vacation can introduce obstacles and decisions for recently separated families. Keeping kids busy, travel expenses, camps, visiting family, and simply spending quality time together are subjects all families— separated or not— need to address.

The key to a successful summer is communication. Communicating plans, finances, and expectations early and clearly with your children and co-parent will make room for more carefree summer days.

Teens

Older and teenage children often exercise their independence, plans, and freedoms during summer. It is an important season for teenagers to take a summer job, bond with friends, and adventure.

In the last week of school, or first week of summer vacation, it will be important to discuss their curfew, driving privileges, what plans they have already made, and how often they are allowed to spend the night away from home.

Write the things you discuss down for future reference and to show to their other parent. You might consider having everyone sign the agreements to ensure that you are on the same page.

Younger Children

Separated parents are often employed full time, making it a challenge to keep younger children engaged and busy. Day summer camps and sports camps are great options for the weeks both parents work.

Parents might also consider hiring a joint babysitter. Having a regular and consistent babysitter for days when both parents work can be beneficial to children and their sense of consistency.

Whatever the age of your child, summer is a fantastic time to start a new tradition, a time to laugh and bond. You don’t need a glamorous vacation to the beach when camping in the backyard can be just as fun and memorable.

Try cooking a family meal together once a week and shop for the food at a local farmers market. Turn off the television and pull out Scrabble or Pictionary.

Whenever you cook, build, create, paint something together, you create new bonds and family traditions that will continue for summers to come.