Spotlight: Making summer holidays work as a single parent

This week, we want to revisit a particularly helpful episode with Jo Thurston from Parent Talk to discuss why summer holidays can be so tricky for single parents and share some simple tips for making them more manageable and fun. Without the school routine and longer days in the sun, it’s an important time to create new memories and enjoy new activities with your children. However, summer as a single parent can be challenging when you’re doing all of this solo. It might involve more schedules, additional childcare and juggling high expectations. Kate and Jo start by explaining why summer holidays can be challenging for single parents, and when’s a good time to start planning them. There are also some tips on how not to over-plan! Here are some of the points they cover in this episode to help single parents this summer: How to navigate holiday costs Where you can look for affordable activities to fit your budget and available time Communication tips with your co-parent Staying flexible and willing to adjust your schedule Why involving your children in holiday planning could be a good idea Meet Jo Thurston Jo is a co-ordinator at Action for Children’s Parent Talk service, which offers free online advice for parents and carers of children aged 0-19, or up to 25 where a young person has special educational needs. Its confidential 1:1 live chat service connects parents and carers directly to an experienced parenting coach for judgement-free practical advice and emotional support, while its online articles answer some of the most common parenting questions. Jo first joined Action for Children in 2018 as a Family Support worker in a Children’s Centre. She has a background working in schools and pastoral care and has a particular interest in supporting families impacted by SEND. More divorce resources Need expert help right now? Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs. Want ongoing support through separation? Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here. Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today. Want to stay organised as co-parents? Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre. Try the amicable co-parenting app free for three months. Share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly. iPhone: Redeem your three months free via this link Android: Download the app and create an account. At the paywall, choose your payment method, select 'Redeem code' and enter DIVORCEPODCAST. Got a question for a future episode? Share your thoughts at [email protected] or through direct messages on Instagram. #Coparenting