how do we share the summer holiday with his suggestion?

[blippers]

My ex has suggested he have our two children, ages 4 and 7, for every weekend except for one during the summer holidays. We have a contact order set up stating we share equally the holidays. Normally the longest amount of nights he has the children is 5, and that's an emotional struggle for the children! So it is usually 5 with me, 5 with their dad.
What I have a slight issue with is the fact that my ex wants them for every weekend. My partner works in the week so our only time as a group would be the weekends. I know this contact order and agreement is between myself and my ex, but if what he's come up with does not work for me to spend family time with my children and partner, then do I have any say in it? I will have the children for far longer than half the holidays, but it would be nice to not be just during the week.

If you share the holidays equally, then don't you have to agree how that works, ie both of you agree? You say your exp has "suggested" this. Doesn't this imply that you can make a counter-proposal that is more equal?

I think I'm fearful of another confrontation with him. He always seems to take control of the situations and when I dont agree, it all gets twisted around and is made to look like its my fault. I am at the point where I just want an easy life, I want the children to be happy and from past experiences the children get bored and upset and want to come home. I just dont like to see them get upset. But then I suppose it is his time with the children and it's his problem if he cant keep them happy and entertained.
I think I do need to get back to him and say I'm not happy with the suggestion and offer what I would like.
Thanks jkklpu for your reply.

You do get a say and you do not need to let him have the children every weekend over the summer, that is ridiculous. If he is meant to have the children equally over the holidays he will just have to either use his leave or pay for childcare, just as you would. Just suggest what would work for you.

Of course you get a say. Email him back with a scedule that suits you and see what response you get.

I would suggest that you divide the number of weekends equally between you and the weekdays...you can then offer him input into how they are distributed. Transparent, fair and reasonable to anyone...of course he might be difficult about it bu it really is fair and that's all you have to be.