20 July 2026
With six weeks of school holidays to organise, balancing family time, holidays, childcare and existing routines can sometimes lead to disagreements.
While every family's circumstances are different, planning ahead and maintaining clear communication can help reduce conflict and ensure children enjoy a positive and stable summer break.
Plan Ahead Wherever Possible
One of the simplest ways to avoid disputes is to discuss holiday arrangements well in advance.
Agreeing dates early gives both parents time to organise annual leave, book holidays and make childcare arrangements. Recording what has been agreed in writing, whether by email or message, can also help avoid misunderstandings later.
Where there is a Child Arrangements Order in place, it's important to check whether it contains any provisions relating to school holidays and ensure these are followed.
Keep Your Child's Needs at the Centre of Every Decision
No two families are the same, and there is no single approach that works for everyone.
Rather than focusing on dividing the holidays equally, parents should consider what arrangements are most practical and, above all, in their child's best interests. Factors such as age, existing routines, planned activities and the child's wishes may all play a part.
A flexible, child-focused approach is often the best way to create positive holiday experiences for everyone involved.
Discuss Holidays and Travel Early
If one parent is planning to take a child away, particularly overseas, it is important to discuss those plans as early as possible.
Where consent from the other parent is required, this should be obtained before travelling. Sharing travel dates, accommodation details and emergency contact information can also help reassure the other parent and minimise unnecessary disputes.
If your child has a passport held by the other parent, arrangements for its release and return should also be agreed well before departure.
Communicate Calmly and Respectfully
Good communication can make a significant difference, particularly during busy holiday periods.
Where conversations are difficult, keeping communication polite, factual and focused on the children can help prevent disagreements from escalating.
Some separated parents also find that co-parenting apps provide a useful way of managing communication and sharing important information.
These platforms can help parents:
While these tools are not suitable for every family, they can provide greater structure where communication has become challenging.
Be Prepared to Be Flexible
Even with careful planning, unexpected situations can arise.
Travel disruption, illness, changes to work commitments or unforeseen childcare issues may require arrangements to change at short notice.
Where possible, approaching these situations with flexibility and cooperation can help reduce unnecessary conflict and keep the focus on what is best for the child.
If recurring problems arise, it may be worth considering a more detailed Parenting Plan or seeking legal advice about formal arrangements.
When Should You Seek Legal Advice?
Although many parents are able to reach agreements themselves, this is not always possible.
If communication has broken down, holiday arrangements cannot be agreed, or you have concerns about your child's welfare or safety, obtaining legal advice at an early stage can often help resolve matters before they become more complex.
Early advice may also help avoid urgent court applications during the school holidays, when time can be particularly limited.
How We Can Help
Our experienced Family Law team advises separated parents on all aspects of child arrangements, including school holiday contact, overseas travel, mediation and court applications where agreement cannot be reached.
We support families across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Highcliffe, providing clear, practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
If you would like advice about child arrangements or resolving a dispute over the summer holidays, call us on 01202 294411 or contact us via our website - Contact Us AB Solicitors For Your Legal Needs to arrange a confidential consultation with a member of our Family Law team.
