N ot Y our A verage C hocolate C ake
Summer vacation is a time for fun, adventure, and family bonding, but it can also bring unique challenges for couples who have divorced and are co-parenting. Between coordinating schedules, managing your child’s travel needs, and potentially dealing with emotional conversations, it’s essential to have a plan. Whether you’re navigating a newly established arrangement or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, these tips for summer vacation will help keep the peace and ensure your children have the best experience. FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD’S TIME. The most important thing to remember is that this is about your children’s time, not the parent’s time. As hard as it can be in certain situations, your child benefits from spending time with both of you. While it’s hard to say goodbye for two or three weeks for a vacation, remember how great this experience will be for them. If you are able, ensure both parents have the chance to take a vacation with the children. INVOLVE THE OTHER PARENT. Communicate your travel plans with your ex. Both parents need to know where the child is, so share details of where you will be going and for how long, as well as the best way to get in contact. It can be a tremendous olive branch to encourage and support your child in buying the other parent a souvenir on the trip. The $20 you spend will be long forgotten, but the sentiment and gesture of that act could be a significant step forward. AVOID COMPETING WITH EACH OTHER. Remember, this vacation is about your child, so don’t talk negatively about your ex on the trip. If you are planning separate trips, don’t try to one-up each other. This time is about quality bonding with your family, not winning or losing. Most often, kids don’t care if you go on a huge trip to an amusement park or just head to the beach for the afternoon. They just want their parent’s attention. Trying to outdo each other only creates tension your child will pick up on. By prioritizing your child’s happiness and maintaining respectful communication with your ex, you can create a summer vacation filled with positive experiences and cherished memories. Remember, it’s not about who plans the bigger trip but about the quality of time for the child. The Ultimate Guide to Co- Parenting During Summer Vacation Q uality T ime , H appy K ids
I ngredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar • 3 large eggs • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
D irections 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended; then add vanilla extract. 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until blended. 6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Cool in pans, then invert onto a plate. If desired, frost and stack the cakes for a double layer!
“T he purpose of our lives is to be happy .” –D alai L ama
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