Summer Co-Parenting in Nebraska: Six Ways to Make It (Actually) Work

Summer should be something your kids look forward to—not something you dread because of co-parenting logistics. But let’s be honest: when school ends, all the usual routines go out the window. And for co-parents, that can mean a whole new set of scheduling headaches, communication misfires, and last-minute “wait, we didn’t talk about this” moments.

The good news? You don’t need to have every hour mapped out. You just need some shared expectations, a little foresight, and a clear plan to get through the season with fewer surprises and more peace.

Let’s walk through six practical ways to keep things smooth this summer—especially if you’re co-parenting in Nebraska.

1. Rework the Schedule to Fit Summer Realities

What works during the school year might not cut it during summer. Some families move to a week-on, week-off rotation to reduce the number of transitions and give each parent more quality time. Others do longer blocks to allow for travel or camp. The key is to revisit the schedule with fresh eyes.

In Nebraska, if you need to formally change your parenting plan, you’ll typically need to show there’s been a material change in circumstances and that the change is in the child’s best interest. But even if you’re not filing a formal modification, making summer adjustments together is often in everyone’s best interest—especially your child’s.

2. Spell Out Vacation Expectations—Clearly

Most Nebraska parenting plans include a section on vacation time, but it’s usually broad. It helps to go further. How much notice do you need before booking a trip? What info should be shared—flight numbers, hotel addresses, emergency contacts? If international travel is on the table, talk through those expectations now—not two days before takeoff.

If both of you want the same prime weeks, consider alternating “first choice” each year. It sounds small, but it helps prevent some very avoidable fights.

3. Keep Communication Simple, Clear, and in Writing

Agree on a method of communication—shared Google calendar, co-parenting app, text—and stick with it. And here’s the part that’s often overlooked: put agreements in writing. Even a quick follow-up text or email like “just confirming we agreed on XYZ” can save a whole lot of confusion later.

When the kids are with the other parent, it’s totally normal to want to check in. Set expectations around contact—like a short call each night or a weekend FaceTime—and follow through. This gives your kids structure and reassurance without putting them in the middle.

4. Get Ahead of Summer Expenses

Summer gets expensive fast. Camps, daycare, extra snacks, travel—it adds up. Talk about costs before they come up. Who’s paying for what? How will reimbursements work?

If you’re splitting these costs, document it. If you both agree in writing and include it as part of your parenting plan, a court could enforce it if necessary. But ideally, you won’t get to that point if expectations are clear from the start.

5. Focus on Your Kids’ Experience—Not Your Ego

Your kid doesn’t need a cruise and three amusement parks to feel loved. They need presence, not pressure. Let summer be fun without trying to one-up the other parent or pack every second with activities.

Pro Tip: When making summer plans, always ask yourself: “How will this benefit my child?” That one question can cut through a lot of adult noise.

6. Build in Flexibility and Plan for the Curveballs

Even the best-laid plans can go sideways—delayed flights, illnesses, work emergencies. Have a plan in place for how you’ll communicate and handle those last-minute changes. A little flexibility (and grace) goes a long way.

Think of it like this: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s collaboration.

Final Thought (and a Friendly Nudge)

You’re not expected to figure all this out perfectly—but you are expected to put your child’s best interest first. Summer co-parenting can absolutely work with a little planning, clear communication, and some shared goodwill.

If you need help updating your parenting plan, navigating logistics, or even mediating a specific summer co-parenting challenge, I’m here. Reach out anytime—I’d be glad to help you make it work.

And hey—if these tips helped you, share them. Know a co-parent who could use a little more ease this summer? Send this their way. And if you need help, contact me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com.