10 Tips For Surviving Summer Parenting Plans In Fort Lauderdale
Summer is a time of year many people look forward to. Children are happy to be out of school, while parents eagerly make vacation plans. Unfortunately, the situation changes somewhat if you are divorced or separated. In addition to the usual issues that are likely to arise, implementing a summer parenting plan can prove challenging. Our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer offers the following ten tips for surviving the months ahead:
- Work out a reasonable schedule.
Under the Florida Statutes, child time-sharing arrangements allow both parents to remain active and involved in their child’s life. Parenting plans dictate each party’s rights and obligations. When creating one, be sure and include changes in the schedule for the summer months.
- Adhere to court orders.
Once a child time-sharing order is in place, both parties are legally required to follow it. Failing to do so could impact your parental rights.
- Make plans in advance.
If you usually enjoy doing different summer activities on the spur of the moment, make plans in advance this year. It will give you and your children something to look forward to.
- Avoid getting competitive with the other parent.
The Child Mind Institute warns that when planning summer activities, divorced and single parents should avoid getting competitive with each other. Efforts to ‘buy’ a child’s affection never work in the long run.
- Consider added costs.
Summer may mean increased daycare costs and expenditures such as summer camp. Make sure these expenses are included in your Fort Lauderdale child support order.
- Remain flexible.
While it is smart to make plans, remain flexible as well. Children are unpredictable in the summer. Avoid getting defensive and be open to potential schedule changes.
- Expect the unexpected.
If there is one thing you can count on as a parent, it is that unexpected situations will happen during the summer months. Make emergency plans and include provisions such as taking days off or picking up children unexpectedly.
- Avoid giving children free rein.
Children enjoy the freedom of summer, but they still need reasonable safety limits. Make sure any plans created allow for free time while also keeping them busy and productive.
- Communicate effectively with everyone involved.
Practice effective communication with the other parent, clarifying your wishes, expressing concerns, and being willing to negotiate reasonable solutions.
- Discuss serious or ongoing problems with our Fort Lauderdale parenting plan lawyer.
Unfortunately, serious or ongoing problems with the other parent may prompt a return to court. If you feel your child or your well-being is at risk, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer today.
Request A Consultation with Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
Implementing parenting plans can prove challenging in the summer. When problems arise, the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto is here to help. To request a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer, call or contact us online today.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
