And before you know it, the school summer holidays are upon you. The children are looking forward to their long summer break, but are you as their separated parents ? How can you avoid rising stress levels and potential flash points ?
The answer lies in planning ahead, and that’s where we at Collins & Hoy can help separated parents to plan ahead now for the school summer holiday.
As Accredited Family Mediators we’re often asked for help by separated parents who can’t agree between themselves what will work best for their children during the long school break.
“School holidays bring a change of routine,” says Elizabeth Sulkin, Accredited Mediator and Family Consultant with Collins & Hoy, “Living arrangements that work well in term-time can prove inadequate in the summer when routines change.”
“The time children will spend with each parent during this period can be tricky to agree and, as the holiday period looms, the stress levels rise.”
“It’s not just about who will look after the children day-to-day. You may also need to consider special arrangements for one or other parent taking the children away for a summer break.”
And there are added complications, she adds, for example:
“At Collins & Hoy we can help you tailor a plan that fits your unique family circumstances, and our advice is to get in touch soon,” adds Elizabeth Sulkin, “Don’t leave it until the last minute.”
Through the process of Mediation we help parents to come together to discuss and decide arrangements, giving you and your children peace of mind, knowing what the arrangements are and relieving you all of the stress of uncertainty. Mediation allows you to stay in control, as no one will be made to do or agree to anything against their wishes. It provides a neutral and independent guided forum for you as parents to have discussions around the arrangements and reach a solution which works for all the family.
“Making the arrangements in good time will give certainty to both parents, bringing you peace of mind. And it means the children know what is coming in the weeks ahead.”
If you would like help planning ahead for the summer, please email or call to speak with one of our accredited Mediators, Bernadette.Hoy@collinshoy.com, Aisling.Collins@collinshoy.com, or Elizabeth.Sulkin@collinshoy.com and find out how they can help you.