27/05/2026
Summer holidays bring excitement for children and stress for separated parents navigating co-parenting schedules.
Long school breaks mean more time to coordinate, more opportunities for disagreement, and a greater risk of plans clashing. However, with planning and communication, summer holidays can work for everyone.
Here are five key ways to avoid conflict:
📅Plan early - Discuss summer plans well in advance. Last-minute requests create unnecessary tension and make compromises harder.
📌Be specific - Vague agreements like "alternate weeks" can cause confusion. Confirm exact dates, handover times, and locations in writing.
🌟Consider the children's wishes - Older children may have their own summer plans with friends or activities. Factor their preferences into arrangements where appropriate.
🙌Be flexible where possible - Building some flexibility into arrangements reduces conflict when plans need to be adjusted.
📝Put agreements in writing - Even informal summer arrangements should be confirmed in writing via email or text. Written confirmation prevents misunderstandings and provides clarity for everyone.
If you have a Child Arrangement Order, check whether it specifically covers school holidays. If not, or if circumstances have changed, our family law team can help you reach new agreements or modify existing orders.
