Family vacations may have been something you looked forward to each year when you were married. Now that you’re divorced, the dynamics of family vacations will change a bit since they will focus on you and your children connecting and building memories.
Planning for vacations with your children after your divorce may seem a bit stressful, but there are ways that you can make the process a little easier. One of the most important is to check the parenting plan and time schedule to determine if there are any conditions or requirements for vacationing. For example, you may have to let your ex know your plans.
Leave ample travel time
You may be tempted to try to squeeze every hour out of your vacation, but be sure you aren’t leaving yourself a short time for travel. You never know when traffic jams or other challenges will creep up. This is especially true on the way home if you have to get your children to your ex. Try to leave a buffer so delayed flights or longer travel times won’t be devastating.
Find shareable moments
Your children may want to share the vacation memories with their other parent. Find opportunities for them to do this. Consider taking pictures of your children for them to share or purchase a souvenir for your children to give to your ex. Keep an open mind if they ask you for specific ways to share with their other parent.
The parenting plan is a critical document for any parenting arrangement that doesn’t involve parents who are romantically involved. Getting these terms together can be challenging, but it may be easier if you work with someone familiar with these matters.