GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MAY | JUNE 2018 25 time and place to make plans for the time you have together. Have an open mind about what they want and what they need. Be flexible, but also be honest about what you want. Try to fit into your plans something they want to do, even including their friends for appropriate activities. Let them know how much they mean to you and always support and encourage them to have fun with their other parent. It is okay to let them know you miss them when they are gone, but do not make them feel guilty for being away from you. If you have the right relationship, it may be helpful to invite the other parent to join in the conversation. A sit down with both parents to identify and work to find a mutual solution to scheduling issues can be beneficial but not if an argument or hurt feelings will result. As your children grow older, involving them in the decisions for summer scheduling can help them feel empowered; however, they cannot be placed in the middle of any conflict or made to feel as though they are choosing between their parents. Having a seat at the table where their voices are heard and valued will help reinforce the respect you have for your children, but you are the adult. The ultimate decision is yours. REVISIT VISITATION AGREEMENT Sometimes these conversations lead you to realize that the current visitation arrangement simply no longer works for your family. Always remember that family court orders are not carved in stone. If there has been a material change in circumstances, you can revisit that agreement and figure out what works for you, your ex and your teenager. The assistance of an experienced attorney or mediator is crucial to this process. If you cannot agree on a resolution and find yourself heading to the courtroom, know that family court judges understand that agreed orders may have to change as children grow into teenagers. In the end, what matters most is what is best for your child. Teenagers are figuring out their likes and dislikes, who they are and what they want to become in life. Parts of that journey cover rough terrain. There is no magic solution to make this easier for you or for your child. But having open and honest communication between all parties is crucial. Who knows, you may be able to turn a nightmare summer schedule into a summer dream. Editor’s Note: Judge Chris Oldner is Of Counsel in the Family Law boutique Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, assisting clients facing life-changing legal matters including divorce, child custody, parental rights, and property division. He served three terms as the presiding judge of the 416th District Court in Collin County. He is also the former presiding judge of Collin County Court at Law 5. http://www.ondafamilylaw.com/ POT OF GOLD LUNCHEON POT OF GOLD LUNCHEON POT OF GOLD LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2018 | 12:00 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2018 | 12:00 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2018 | 12:00 PM— — —1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM AT THE HILTON ANATOLE DALLAS LIZ MURRAY Liz Murray is the well-known author of the New York Times best-selling memoir Breaking Night which was turned into a Lifetime television “Emmy Award” nominated movie entitled, Homeless to Harvard. Liz Murray’s life is a triumph over adversity, including homelessness and drug-addicted parents, and her story is a stunning example of the Importance of dreaming big. Liz is the recipient of the White House “Project’s Role Model Award” and Oprah Winfrey’s “Chutzpah Award”. Hosted by Presented by Benefitting NANCY ANN & RAY L. HUNT I I INDIVIDUAL NDIVIDUAL NDIVIDUAL T T TICKETS ICKETS ICKETS $175 $175 $175 S S SPONSORSHIPS PONSORSHIPS PONSORSHIPS S S START TART TART AT AT AT $1,750 $1,750 $1,750 To purchase your tickets or table sponsorship, please visit: RainbowDays.org RainbowDays.org RainbowDays.org/pog2018/ /pog2018/ /pog2018/ Inquiries, contact Sunni Roaten at 214-217-3833 Media Sponsors: Good Life Family Magazine | Park Cities News Rainbow Days mission is to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through support groups, camps, mentored events and tangible items, Rainbow Days serves over 11,000 children and youth in Dallas annually.