Co-parenting Summers

Summer is in full swing. School is out. Parents find themselves with the blessing of being around their children 24 hours a day. For parents who have to share parenting time with an ex, the summer can be a very special time for the children and parent they get to spend the summer with.

For parents who find themselves away from their children for extended periods of time, it can be a heart wrenching experience. But, what about the children? If nearly half of all married couples divorce, that means approximately half the children in America do not live with both parents at the same time.

Half the kids are having an emotional struggle this summer. How can we help children adjust?

It is very important to encourage a relationship between children and their other parent. Here are a few tips to help your kids stay happy and emotionally healthy this summer:

• Randomly each day ask the kids if they want to call the other parent. This will let them know you not only acknowledge they have another life, but that you encourage them to be in daily contact with their other parent.
• Skype regularly. The service is free. If your computer doesn’t come with a video camera, you can easily get one or use the latest smart phone to Skype with. If the children can’t physically be with their other parent, getting face-to-face on Skype can really help both the parent and child.
• Make videos of your time together. Have fun shooting video of your summer adventures. You don’t need fancy equipment. Shoot video with your phone, camera or video camera. If you feel extra creative you can let the kids help you pick out special effects and make a really memorable film to share with the grandparents and for the children to enjoy when they are in their other home.
• Volunteer. Find a way for kids to give back. Volunteering sets the stage for children becoming excellent citizens. Search for unique ways to volunteer. Encourage the children to hold doors open for others, do a good deed in secret, or write letters to the troops.
• Write home. Encourage the children to write fun notes to their other home. Bring out their artistic talents and make creative, personalized cards. It will help them feel special and connected while they can’t be with their other parent.
• Make a Collage. Take pictures of the little everyday things such as reading a book, playing the piano, running through the sprinkler, swimming in the neighborhood pool. Turn the pictures into a collage or photo book for the children to look at when they leave you at the end of the summer.
• HAVE FUN!

How do you help your kids adjust during long breaks away from their other parent?  Share in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.