Parenting Plans and Back-to-Back Long Weekends: Keeping Things Fair and Fun

When the calendar gifts us a string of long weekends, most of us start dreaming of extra sleep, road trips, or a bit more quality time with our kids. But for co-parents, these stretches can bring added stress—especially if the parenting plan doesn’t clearly cover how to handle consecutive extended weekends. So, how can you make it through back-to-back long weekends without tension? Here are some tips to help make sure everyone feels seen, heard, and treated fairly.

1. Start with the Parenting Plan

Most parenting plans have a holiday and long weekend clause, but they don’t always anticipate a series of long weekends in a row (like Easter and Freedom Day). Review your existing agreement first to see what it says about holiday time, long weekends, and priority scheduling. If it’s vague or silent, that’s your cue to talk.

2. Communicate Early (and Kindly)

Don’t wait until the week before a long weekend to start negotiating who gets which days. Reach out early and come to the table with flexibility. If you’re hoping to take the kids away for a trip or family gathering, give as much notice as possible.

Try something like:“Hey, I noticed we’ve got a few long weekends coming up. Want to chat about how we can share them fairly?”

3. Rotate or Alternate Weekends

A simple rotation system can work wonders. If there are three long weekends in a row, you might agree to alternate who gets each one. Another option is to alternate years: Parent A gets the Easter long weekend this year, Parent B gets it next year.

It’s not about winning every weekend—it’s about balance over time.

4. Think About the Kids’ Experience

While you’re negotiating, keep the kids at the center of the conversation. What will make them feel most secure, relaxed, and happy. Too much shuffling around can be exhausting, especially if travel is involved. Try to maintain routines where possible, and prioritise plans that include downtime and connection.

5. Document Any Changes

Even if your parenting plan is informal or you’ve agreed on something temporarily, write it down. A quick email or shared calendar update can prevent misunderstandings and help avoid future conflicts.

6. Revisit and Adjust

If this season exposed gaps in your parenting plan, consider revisiting it during calmer times. Working with a mediator can help you build a more detailed plan that accounts for consecutive long weekends, school breaks, and special events.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-back long weekends can be a gift, offering precious time to build memories with your kids. With a bit of proactive planning, respectful communication, and flexibility, co-parents can turn a potential scheduling headache into something smoother—and even enjoyable.

At the end of the day, parenting isn’t about the calendar—it’s about showing up with love and consistency, no matter what weekend it is.