Patented Q & A Database
Question
HOW MANY WEEKS OF SUMMER VACATION TIME IS BEST FOR NON CUSTODIAL PARENTS & THEIR CHILDREN?
Answer
Replied:
It really just depends on the age of the child and how far he/she has to travel to spend time with their non-custodial parent...
If the child spends the school year with one parent and the summer with another, it might be a big transition to leave and return home, so having a full week at each end of the summer is recommended so they can ease back into their routine.
If a child sees both parents during the school year but spends the night at one parents' home, switching this arrangement during the summer should be a smoother transition.
Also, for younger kids it's recommended that they go back and forth more frequently than older children.
Posted On 2011-03-07 15:51:51
Replied:
The answer is based on the individual family and the children involved, but in fairness to both parents and children, it should be discussed and decided upon by both parents. Some families allot the entire summer break to the non-custodial parent, others do not. The most common practice is for each parent to be able to share the summer vacation and spend time equally with the child. There is no right or wrong answer, just what works best for each individual family.
Posted On 2010-12-07 15:15:18
Replied:
Wish there was a simple answer to this question, but there isn't. Every divorce situation is different and therefore affects how to approach vacation decisions.
Is this a once-a-year summer vacation visit or does that parent see the children more often? Do they live far away or nearby? How much time does the non-custodial parent have available for spending time with the children when they visit? Will they be home to play or working daily? All this affects your decision.
This should be discussed carefully between both parents to determine the best answer for the kids involved. Do the children enjoy spending time with this parent? Does the parent want to spend lots of time with the children? Or is this court-mandated and not something the children are looking forward to?
Talk to you children, get their feedback and create a visit that the children will enjoy. If the parents are alienated from one another, remember it's important not to bad-mouth the other parent and influence your children against them.
It may be wise to seek out a therapist, divorce coach, school guidance counselor or other professional who you can talk to in making these decisions. Always put your children's emotional and psychological needs first -- not what you'd prefer! When in doubt, seek out help!
Posted On 2010-12-05 12:46:47
Replied:
I can't answer what is "best." I don't have any information about your family, the circumstances of your divorce, whether you will be living in the same community, etc. Generally speaking both parents are entitled to vacation time, and according to some guidelines, the vacation time is equal. In your situation, I would suggest consulting with a lawyer or perhaps a social worker who works with divorced families. The best to you and your children.
Posted On 2010-12-04 16:14:05
Replied:
I can't answer what is "best." I don't have any information about your family, the circumstances of your divorce, whether you will be living in the same community, etc. Generally speaking both parents are entitled to vacation time, and according to some guidelines, the vacation time is equal. In your situation, I would suggest consulting with a lawyer or perhaps a social worker who works with divorced families. The best to you and your children.
Posted On 2010-12-04 16:14:05
Replied:
I am sorry, but I would need to have many facts to even make a suggestion. For example: What is the "regular schedule" and how old are the kids, what do you want, and what does any other concerned people want, how to both parents get along as to being able to be flexible or do plans need to be set in stone, etc. Feel free to provide more information and we can go from there if you like.
Thanks.
Mike
Posted On 2010-12-04 14:50:29
