Single Parent FAQs: Summer Child Contact Arrangements – Issue 41

If your child usually sees both parents, it’s reasonable to expect that holidays are shared too. There’s no automatic rule, but summer contact should reflect what’s best for the child and not just what’s fair for the adults.

Ideally, you should agree arrangements between yourselves. We know this isn’t always possible, so if communication is difficult, a solicitor or mediator can help.

Find out more about the services which can help with arranging child contact.

Try the following steps:

1. Plan early the sooner you start the conversation, the better
2. Use a calendar to lay out options clearly
3. Be flexible where possible offer alternatives rather than refusing outright
4. Put the child first ask what will make them feel settled and supported
5. Consider mediation if you’re stuck

If agreement still isn’t possible, take a look at our page about what to do when contact arrangements aren’t working.

If both parents have parental responsibilities and rights, then you must both agree before a child leaves the UK.

If the other parent wants to take the child abroad:

• Ask for full travel details: dates, destination, accommodation
• Ensure the child has a valid passport
• Get written permission to avoid issues at the airport
• If you’re not happy with the plans, you can seek legal advice or raise a court action

If a parent takes a child abroad without consent, it may be considered child abduction under Scottish law.

A good plan should be clear and fair. It might include:

• Which days or weeks the child will spend with each parent
• Pick-up and drop-off arrangements
• Details of any holidays or trips coming up
• Plans for staying in touch (especially during longer stays)
• Agreement on routines like bedtime or screen time to help your child feel secure

Try to write it down and share a copy so everyone is on the same page.

This can be really difficult. Try to:

• Listen to your child’s concerns without pressure
• Reassure them and talk through their feelings
• Speak to the other parent calmly if possible
• Involve a trusted professional (e.g. teacher or GP) if needed
• Seek legal advice if there is a court order in place you must not breach it without a valid reason

Remember, a child’s voice matters especially as they get older, but parents still have a role in encouraging safe, positive relationships.

If you have serious concerns:

• Speak to a solicitor or family law adviser
• Keep a record of incidents or concerns
• Contact social work if you believe your child is at risk
• In an emergency, contact Police Scotland on 101 (or 999 in danger)
• You can ask the court to vary or suspend contact if there are valid safeguarding concerns.

Find out more about what to do if you have any concerns about your child seeing their other parent.

Find out more about the services which can help with arranging child contact.

• Relationships Scotland (Mediation)
• Children First Support Line or phone 08000 28 22 33
• Scottish Child Law Centre or phone 0800 328 8970
• Scottish Courts & Tribunals (Contact Orders)