☀️ Co-Parenting Over the Summer Holidays: 5 Tips for a Smoother Summer

For many separated or divorced parents, the summer holidays can feel more stressful than relaxing. With school out, routines disrupted, and holidays on the horizon, even the best-laid parenting plans can come under pressure.

If you’re navigating co-parenting over the summer holidays, you’re not alone. At Pax Mediation, we work with separated parents every day to create clear, child-focused arrangements that reduce stress and conflict.

Here are 5 practical tips to help make your summer smoother – for you and your children.

✅ 1. Start planning early

Last-minute decisions are a major source of tension. Start talking about summer holiday arrangements as early as possible — even if you're not sure yet what plans will stick. A shared calendar or written agreement can help avoid misunderstandings and give children clear expectations.

✅ 2. Be specific — and write it down

Vague plans like “we’ll figure it out” often lead to confusion or arguments. Try to agree on:

📅 Exact dates and handover times

🌍 Who is responsible for travel

🎒 Packing arrangements (especially if someone’s going on holiday)

Putting it in writing — even just in a shared document — can make things easier for everyone.

✅ 3. Keep the children at the centre

Summer is about rest, play, and fun — especially for kids. Try to avoid putting them in the middle of adult disagreements. Instead, ask:

🧒 What routine will make them feel secure?

👪 How can both parents support a positive experience?

Child-focused mediation can help you both explore these questions in a safe, neutral setting.

✅ 4. Stay flexible where you can

Things change — weather, work schedules, travel plans. If one parent needs to swap a day or adjust something, try to stay open to compromise (and expect the same in return). Flexibility goes a long way in maintaining trust and reducing stress.

✅ 5. Use mediation to move forward

If communication has broken down or you’re finding it hard to agree on arrangements, family mediation can help. It’s quicker, more affordable, and often far less stressful than going to court — and it helps keep children’s wellbeing at the centre.

Your first step is a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) — a one-to-one appointment to explore whether mediation is right for your situation.

📞 Need support with summer holiday arrangements?

We offer in-person and online family mediation, and Legal Aid is available for those who qualify — we’ll check this with you at your MIAM.

🔗 Book your MIAM with Pax Mediation today.

Pax Mediation is here to help separated parents across the North East and England make summer – and co-parenting – a little less stressful.