5 Mistake Divorced Parents Can Make During the Summer Months

Are you a divorced parent? Do you find the summer scheduling to be incredibly difficult? You are not alone, it is a common struggle when children and planning their schedules are involved. We would like to help you with the potential summer schedule planning struggles by reviewing five mistakes that divorced families make at this time. By being mindful of these mistakes you can be sure to avoid them as we all go into this busy summer season.

1. Making the mistake to not seek counseling. It can be important for divorced parents to seek counseling for themselves or their children should the need arise. Parents can even seek coparenting counseling to help ensure they are on the same page as their children.

2. Making the mistake of overcompensating with gifts. Because many divorced parents feel some level of guilt that their children are spending time in a different way now that there has been a divorce, they may choose to compensate by giving lavish or over-the-top gifts. However well-intentioned this may be, it can be viewed as an effort to buy love, especially with older children.

3. Making the mistake of putting down the job or holiday plans of the other parent. When making plans around the summer schedule do not take any opportunity to put down the other parent. When you disparage a co-parent you not only may hurt your child’s relationship with your co-parent, but you may also hurt your own relationship with your child.

4. Making the child feel guilty for being with the other parent. Divorced parents often make the mistake of making children feel guilty for being with the other parent during the summer months. This added guilt will certainly have a negative impact on the emotional well-being of your children.

5. Making the mistake of not seeking the advice of your lawyer. If there is difficulty with the summer custody schedule, make an appointment with your attorney. Sometimes the summer schedule can highlight flaws in the current custody arrangements and it is important to talk to your lawyer about how to make any necessary changes.

Do you have questions? When your family or financial health is on the line, trust attorney Paul Riffel to help you protect your interests and achieve your goals. Attorney Paul Riffel has been practicing law in Florida for 40 years, focusing in the areas of Tampa estate planning and family law. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting with us.