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Co-parenting a child who has a packed schedule of school, activities and social commitments can be rewarding—but also exhausting. When your child is busy, it is easy to fall into a routine focused entirely on logistics. However, making time for fun is important. Fun does more than provide a break from the daily grind; it strengthens parent-child bonds and helps kids feel emotionally secure in both of their homes.
Nowadays, children often balance sports practices, music lessons, academic clubs and time with friends. Add in transitions between households, and it can feel like there is no room left for unstructured enjoyment. But prioritizing fun—even in small ways—can help preserve your connection with your child and offer them a sense of balance.
Fun is not frivolous
Start by looking for pockets of time that can be used for shared joy. Maybe it is a board game after dinner, a weekend walk through the park or a short stop for ice cream on the way home. These moments do not need to be elaborate or time-consuming to be meaningful. The goal is to create shared memories and give your child a chance to simply be a kid.
Busy schedules also highlight the need for intentional planning. Co-parents should communicate about extracurricular demands and work – with the assistance of their legal counsel, when appropriate – to jointly agree on a rhythm that includes both structure and downtime. If one parent consistently handles “the fun stuff” while the other only manages the responsibilities, resentment or imbalance can build. A fair parenting plan takes into account not just hours but quality of time.
It is also important to tailor activities to your child’s interests and energy levels. A child who is already drained from a week of commitments might benefit more from a low-key movie night than an all-day outing. Let your child have a say in how you spend time together. Giving them some control helps build trust and makes them feel valued.
Remember, too, that fun is not frivolous. It plays a consequential role in child development and emotional health. A child who knows they can laugh, play and relax with both parents is more likely to feel secure during and after a separation.