Marnie Parkinson: Tips from an Albany lawyer on navigating school holidays after separation

For separated parents without formal court orders or agreements in place, school holiday arrangements can feel tricky to navigate. But the key to success is keeping the focus on what matters most: giving children quality time with both parents.

It’s not a competition — your kids don’t need grand gestures or lavish vacations. What they truly value is feeling safe, loved and spending meaningful time with you. While fun activities are important, they don’t have to break the bank, and they certainly shouldn’t be used to one-up the other parent.

Here’s how to approach school holiday planning with your child’s wellbeing at the centre:

Share the holidays

There are four school holiday periods each year, and it’s important for children to enjoy time with both parents during these breaks. Sharing the holidays equally, where possible, ensures they maintain strong relationships with both sides of their family.

Balance time and responsibilities

While sharing the holidays, it’s crucial to acknowledge the practical realities. One parent might need help from extended family, a new partner, or even daycare if work commitments prevent them from being fully available. Ideally, the parent with the children during the holiday should aim to take leave to spend time with them, but flexibility is key.

Alternate entire holiday periods

For some families, alternating entire holiday periods can work well — especially for mid-term breaks in April, July and September. For instance, one parent might have the children for the April holidays (which often include Easter), while the other has them for July. This arrangement can reduce logistical stress and provide uninterrupted time for both parents and kids.

Find what works for everyone

Ultimately, the goal is to find an arrangement that benefits the children while fitting into the parents’ schedules. Taking leave from work or adjusting plans may be necessary, and compromise will likely play a big role in making it work.

By focusing on the children’s happiness and maintaining open, co-operative communication, separated parents can turn school holidays into a time of joy and connection for everyone involved. Remember: it’s not about who does more — it’s about making the time you have truly count.

Marnie Parkinson is a senior lawyer at Greenstone Legal. She is based in Albany and Perth.