Summer Vacation
Summer is here and in-between plans for art camp and Science camp, many custodial parents have to consider the children's plans to spend a week or two with the non-custodial parent. Here are some tips to make the stay a bit easier, for you, them and the non-custodial parent.
1. Make a correspondence kit. Put together some items for each of the children that they can take with them. Include some items like calling cards, stamps, money for post cards, stationary, envelopes. 2. Give the children a list of numbers to contact you. Even if they already know your phone number, make them list so that if an emergency arises they can show their other parent or care person. Don't forget to include cell phone numbers or pager numbers, as these can be very handy in an emergency. 3. Make a list of emergency information. Give doctors' names and phone numbers, social security numbers, medical insurance cards, and reminders on drugs, foods, and insects that the children could be allergic to. If you can't spare the insurance cards be sure to make copies of them. 4. Relax. Remember that the other parent, is the children's parent also and that they are capable of their care. 5. Buy/Make items that might help to make the visit easier for the children. For example, construction paper for scrapbooks, coloring books and colors for the trip, disposable cameras. 6. Make a list of some age appropriate alternative activities. Sometimes, the non-custodial parent cannot remember what type of activities the children are doing at that age because they have not been doing things with the children. Go to www.playhousedisney.com, www.nick.com, or www.pbskids.com, www.theideabox.com, www.mattel.com. 7. Put together some items the children can use as "show and tell" for visiting relatives. For example, school work, pictures, diplomas, and yearbooks. 8. Gather together any medicines that the children might need during the visitation. Include any dosage and renewal information (how, where and cost). 9. Consult your divorce decree. Make sure that you follow any special circumstances in the divorce decree. For example, switched visitation, suspension of child support, or time limitations. 10. Give the children a little spending money. Still staying within your means, give the a few dollars to buy souvenirs, candy or other items that they might need/want.
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