Tips for Co-Parenting During the Holidays

The holidays can become a flashpoint for conflict when two co-parents are trying to grapple with a time-sharing schedule and also contend with the emotional upheavals that can accompany spending a holiday apart from their child. We know how stressful this time of year can be and so have included a few tips that can help co-parents navigate the holiday season.

Put Your Kids First

 One of the best things that you, as co-parents can do to help create a stress-free holiday environment for your children this year is to put your kids first. Be sure to ask yourself whether the decisions you’re making and the arrangements you are proposing are what’s best for your child or what works best for you.

Stick to Your Plan 

Once you and your co-parent have come up with a time-sharing schedule for the holidays, be sure to do your best to stick to it. This will give each of you ample time to come up with activities or to generally plan your celebration. It will also give your children a sense of security, knowing which days they will spend with which parent. Of course, it’s important to remain flexible, as emergencies could arise that will require you and your co-parent to work together to reach a different arrangement.

Communicate 

Be sure to keep your co-parent in the loop during the holidays, making sure that you update them on any changes to your plans, like a late arrival or other hiccup in the arrangements. Whether you communicate over the phone, in person, over video chat, or via email or text, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your co-parent during this time of the year.

Remain Open to New Traditions 

Keeping an old family tradition may not be feasible now that your family looks a bit different. The plus side of this is that you now have the opportunity to try something new or come up with a different holiday tradition. Involve your children in coming up with a new holiday plan, like going to look at holiday lights, decorating the house together, or cooking a holiday meal.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help 

Sometimes, even the best laid plans can go awry. If you and your co-parent can’t come up with a holiday time-sharing schedule or you are facing another custody-related issue, don’t be afraid to ask for legal help. In many cases, having a neutral third party can make all the difference when it comes to reaching an agreement with a co-parent that works for both parties, but is also in your child’s best interests.

Here to Help You Craft a Holiday Time-Sharing Schedule 

To speak with an experienced and compassionate Largo child custody lawyer about your own holiday time-sharing arrangements, please call Cairns Law at 727-683-1472 today. We can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you come up with a solution that best suits your child’s needs.

Sources: 

fatherhood.gov/dadtalk-blog/ten-coparenting-tips-holidays

forbes.com/sites/frawleypollock/2019/12/17/co-parenting-tips-for-the-holidays/?sh=3c0cce326044