Holidays and school holidays are one of the most common flashpoints in co-parenting. They are emotionally loaded, logistically complex and often inadequately planned for. Getting the arrangements clear, ideally before the arguments start, makes a significant difference.
Build it into your parenting plan
The best time to agree holiday arrangements is when you are creating your parenting plan, not in the run-up to the Easter holidays with a week's notice. Think through the full year:
- Summer holidays, who has the children when, and for how long
- Christmas and New Year, many families alternate years
- Easter, half terms and bank holidays
- The children's birthdays
- Parents' birthdays and significant family events
- Foreign holidays, passports, notice periods, consent requirements
Foreign travel
Taking children abroad without the other parent's consent, or contrary to a court order, is a serious matter. Even where there is no court order, taking children abroad without consent could amount to child abduction. Always agree in writing before booking.
Notice periods
Agree how much notice each parent needs to give for holiday plans. A minimum of four to six weeks is reasonable for holidays that affect the regular routine.