Child Arrangements During the Summer Holidays

Long summer days should be for making memories but for some separated parents, the summer holidays can be one of the most difficult times of the year to manage. Six weeks away from the normal school routine often means changes to childcare, travel plans, family holidays, and time spent with each parent. Without clear planning, disagreements can escalate quickly.

At Browell Smith & Co, we regularly see avoidable disputes arise simply because arrangements were not discussed early enough or confirmed clearly. The good news is that most summer holiday disagreements can be prevented with careful preparation and practical communication.

This guide sets out the key steps parents can take to avoid problems with child arrangements over the summer holidays.

Start Planning Early

One of the biggest causes of conflict is leaving arrangements until the last minute.

Parents should ideally begin discussing summer holiday plans several months in advance. Early discussions give both parents time to:

• arrange annual leave from work;
• organise childcare;
• book holidays;
• coordinate with wider family members; and
• consider the child’s activities, clubs, or camps.

Leaving discussions until just before the school holidays often creates unnecessary pressure and increases the likelihood of disagreement.

A sensible approach is to agree:

• holiday dates;
• collection and return times;
• overseas travel plans;
• communication arrangements with the other parent; and
• contingency plans if circumstances change.

Putting arrangements in writing can help avoid misunderstandings later.

Focus on the Child’s Needs, Not Parental Fairness

The law In this area focuses on the child’s welfare above all else. Parents should approach discussions in the same way.

It is rarely helpful to approach summer arrangements as a strict exercise in “equal time”. Instead, consider:

• the child’s age;
• their routine and emotional needs;
• travel demands;
• contact with siblings and extended family;
• existing holiday commitments; and
• the child’s own wishes, depending of course upon their age and maturity.

A workable arrangement is usually one that allows the child to enjoy meaningful time with both parents while maintaining stability and reducing conflict.

Children are often highly aware of tension between parents. Shielding them from disputes is essential.

Confirm Foreign Travel Arrangements Properly

Disagreements frequently arise where one parent wishes to take a child abroad.

If there is a Child Arrangements Order stating the child lives with one parent, that parent may usually take the child abroad for up to 28 days without the other parent’s consent unless the order says otherwise.

In other situations, consent from everyone with parental responsibility is generally required before taking a child out of the UK.

Parents should therefore:

• seek written consent well in advance;
• provide flight and accommodation details;
• share emergency contact information and
• ensure passports are valid.

Refusing to provide reasonable travel information can increase mistrust and lead to avoidable disputes.

Equally, withholding consent without genuine welfare concerns may escalate matters unnecessarily.

Keep Communication Child-Focused

Summer holiday disagreements often become more difficult because communication between parents breaks down.

Where possible:

• keep messages polite and factual;
• avoid emotional or accusatory language;
• respond promptly;
• avoid using children to relay messages; and
• keep discussions focused on practical arrangements.

Many separated parents find that using shared calendars or parenting apps reduces misunderstandings.

If communication is difficult, written communication is usually preferable to verbal discussions because it creates clarity and reduces the risk of disputes about what was said.

Be Flexible Where Possible

Unexpected issues arise regularly during the summer holidays:

• flights are delayed;
• children become unwell;
• childcare arrangements change;
• work commitments arise unexpectedly.

A degree of flexibility from both parents can prevent minor issues from becoming major disputes.

Courts generally expect parents to act reasonably and promote the child’s relationship with the other parent where safe to do so.

A rigid or confrontational approach often increases stress for everyone involved, including the child.

Avoid Making Promises to Children Before an Agreement Is Reached

Parents sometimes unintentionally create problems by discussing holiday plans with children before arrangements are agreed.

For example:

• promising an overseas holiday before consent is obtained;
• discussing dates that may later change; or
• involving children in disagreements about arrangements.

This can place children in the middle of adult disputes and create disappointment or anxiety.

It is usually best to finalise arrangements between adults first before discussing confirmed plans with the child.

What If Parents Cannot Agree?

If discussions become difficult, there are several ways to resolve disputes without immediately going to court.

Options include:

• solicitor-led negotiation;
• mediation;
• collaborative law; or
• arbitration in suitable cases.

Mediation is often particularly effective for holiday arrangements because it allows parents to focus on practical solutions quickly.

If agreement cannot be reached and the issue is urgent, an application to the Family Court may be necessary. The court can determine:

• holiday arrangements;
• overseas travel disputes; and
• specific arrangements during school holidays.

However, court proceedings can be stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. Early advice and proactive communication often prevent matters reaching that stage.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Summer

To reduce the risk of disputes, parents should:

• discuss arrangements early;
• confirm agreements in writing;
• share travel information promptly;
• keep communication respectful;
• remain flexible where reasonable;
• avoid involving children in conflict; and
• seek legal advice early if difficulties arise.

The most successful arrangements are usually those where parents approach the summer holidays as a shared parenting exercise rather than a competition over time.

Need Advice About Summer Child Arrangements?

If you are experiencing difficulties agreeing on summer holiday arrangements for your children, obtaining early legal advice can help prevent matters escalating, contact Browell Smith & Co family law department to discuss your options.