Taking a break from work and traveling with the kids is of great importance to many parents. It can provide a chance to recharge batteries, spend some quality time together and show your children something new.
Divorcing can make taking these vacations more challenging — at least while the children are still minors. The following tips can help to smooth and simplify the process:
1. Discuss vacations while you are still divorcing
It’s no good leaving thinking about how you will handle vacations until after the divorce is finalized. Far better is to consider options now and put some ground rules down in writing as part of your custody and parenting plan.
2. Remember that time away from is healthy
The thought of allowing your kids to travel without you for a week or so may feel scary. Yet, it can benefit you both. They get to spend some personal time with their other parent. You get some time to yourself to use however you wish. This may be especially welcome if the children will live with you most of the time. Time apart can also help you appreciate each other more.
3. Consider how to manage contact while away
Think about how you will let the kids talk to the parent who does not travel. For some parents, all that is required is a simple text to say you have arrived at the destination. For others, you need to arrange times when they and the kids can call each other. Planning in advance reduces the chance of calls at inopportune moments or worries about whether everything is OK.
4. Consider what documents you might need
Documents such as passports, birth certificates and written letters of permission from the other parent may be necessary for travel further afield. Legal guidance can help you learn more.
