The school summer holidays are finally here. Great news for happy families who can’t wait to spend some quality time together, building sandcastles on Cornish beaches or exploring the antiquities of ancient Greece. Not-so-great news, though, for fractured families who may be dreading the next few weeks, viewing it more as an ordeal than a jolly, carefree time.

If you have recently been through divorce or separation, the lengthy holiday might be your first big test in terms not only of caring for your children on your own but also ensuring they have a good time.

The first thing to do is to plan carefully what you are going to do, taking into consideration your children’s wishes, your budget, your support network and your work commitments.

However difficult your relationship with your ex-partner may be, do aim to include them in your plans. If you are the main carer, get your ex to commit to having the children for at least one week during the summer – if they are able to take them on holiday, so much the better. Not only will this be good for the kids, it will give you a much-needed break, too. Perhaps you can arrange to go away yourself independently – either on your own or with a friend.

Although the school summer break is synonymous with beach holidays, kids can have just as much fun doing other things. If you can’t afford a seaside sojourn or don’t fancy taking the children away on your own, arrange to spend a week with friends or relatives. A change of scene can be a holiday in itself.

Find out what children’s activities/holiday clubs are available in your area and, if your children are old enough, book them in.

If you have business commitments during the summer, maybe you could arrange for the kids to go to friends’ houses or for grandparents or other relatives to come to your house to look after them. Grandparents, too, are affected by divorce. An opportunity to bond or be a confidant for fragile grandchildren may be very useful. Ringing the changes in terms of who looks after the children can help to create a holiday atmosphere.

You, too, may be feeling a little fragile, but if the children are old enough to be semi-independent, resist the urge to be too protective.

Organising a couple of day trips with the kids will help to make the summer special and allow you to share an adventure.

Don’t allow inclement weather to put paid to your plans. Just make sure you dress accordingly. Adversity is good for bonding!

Finally, don’t panic. Six weeks may seem like a very long time to keep the kids occupied and September is a long way off. Nevertheless, the holidays can be both manageable and pleasurable. And remember, having a good time doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money. Kids are very resilient and imaginative and, with encouragement, can enjoy themselves just as much in the back garden as on an exotic beach.