Vacationing together as co-parents with your children can be a rewarding experience that fosters lasting memories, strengthens family bonds and demonstrates a united front of parental support. However, this kind of adventure requires a proactive approach and mutual respect to better ensure that a trip is enjoyable for everyone involved.
As such, you’ll want to start by planning your shared co-parenting vacation together. This involves choosing a destination, activities and accommodations that are agreeable to both parents and exciting for the kids. Planning should be a collaborative effort, taking into account each parent’s ideas and concerns, as well as the children’s interests and needs.
If you discover that you can’t make a co-parenting vacation work as the planning phase of things unfolds, that’s okay. You can simply work to make separate vacations as great as they can be for you both and your kids. But if you think that you can make things work to vacation together, your kids may sincerely thank you for the effort.
Before you set off on your adventure
Before embarking on your trip, discuss and set clear expectations regarding your vacation schedule, parenting responsibilities and financial contributions. Clarifying these concerns upfront can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts during the vacation.
It can also help to keep the primary focus on creating a positive experience for your children. Avoid discussing contentious issues or unresolved disputes in their presence. Instead, demonstrate cooperation and mutual respect. Remember, the vacation is an opportunity for your children to enjoy quality time with both parents.
With that said, you’ll also want to respect each other’s individual time with the children during the vacation. If the vacation schedule includes separate activities with each parent, honor those arrangements and make the transitions as smooth as possible for the children.
Even with the best planning, vacations can present unexpected challenges. Be flexible and willing to adjust plans as needed. Approach any issues with a problem-solving mindset, focusing on what is best for the children, when possible.
