Summer vacation is typically filled with swimming, camp, trips and other fun activities for children.  However, families with divorced or separated parents also deal with large living schedule changes during the summer months.

It is always better for the children if both parents design the summer’s extended parenting time arrangements together and work around obstacles collaboratively.  However, when this is not possible due to lack of communication then the Indiana Parenting Guidelines outline exactly how much extended parenting time each family should have.

Under the 2013 guidelines for kids five-years-old and over, each parent gets one-half of the summer vacation, which begins the day after school lets out and ends the day before school resumes.  This time can be either consecutive or split into two segments.   The noncustodial parent must give notice to the custodial parent by April 1 each year in writing and verbally on how they want the time scheduled.  If not, the custodial parent can go ahead and make the decision about how to allocate the time.

The Parenting Guidelines outline some key things to keep in mind.  The child should spend the Fourth of July with the noncustodial parent in odd number years and the custodial parent in even numbered years, like this one.  The holiday runs from 6 p.m. July 3^rd to 10 a.m. July 5^th.   Labor Day is given to the noncustodial parent in even numbered years and the custodial parent in odd numbered years and runs from Friday at 6 p.m. until Monday at 7 p.m.  Under the guidelines, a parent may receive three consecutive weekends due to a holiday.  It’s expected that missed weekends will balance out for each parent given the alternating holiday schedules outlined in the guidelines.

During any extended summer period of more than two consecutive weeks with one parent, the other parent can see the child on the regular parenting time schedule, which includes alternating weekends and mid-week parenting time unless that’s impracticable because of out-of-town vacations.

During this time, it’s important for parents to realize that if a child attends summer school, the parent exercising parenting time is responsible for the child’s transportation to and from school and their attendance.

According to the guidelines, “Summer parenting time with the non-custodial parent shall take precedence over summer activities (such as Little League) when parenting time cannot be reasonably scheduled around such events. Under such circumstances, the non-custodial parent shall attempt to enroll the child in a similar activity in his or her community.”

Also, if the children experience any illnesses or medical emergencies, the parent with them must immediately notify the other if medical attention is needed. Each parent has the responsibility to become informed about and participate in therapies and treatments prescribed for their children and to ensure medications are administered as prescribed.

The best way to make sure the kids have a great summer with both parents is to ensure that each parent is open and honest with the other.  Communication is the key to avoiding issues and keeping the children happy and healthy, no matter which house they are in.