Co-parenting can be a challenge, especially during the holidays. Follow these guidelines – and make a holiday parenting schedule – to make sure the holidays go smoothly.
Plan Ahead
Some parents decide to make plans involving their children without informing the other parent, which can lead to arguments and miscommunications.
It is your responsibility to inform the other parent of any plans that will affect the care of your children as soon as possible. Emergencies will inevitably come up, but planning vacations, birthday parties, and other celebrations as far in advance as possible is best for everyone involved.
This also points to the importance of a well-developed parenting plan that stipulates how the children will spend their time during the holiday season, among other things.
Communicate With the Other Parent
It may seem impossible for some people to get along with the other parent, especially if they are recently divorced or separated. . However, if you have children together, you must do your best to communicate effectively. You do not have to be best friends with the other parent, but you should keep each other in the loop when it comes to holiday planning, emergency plans, and even gift giving.
Agree on Gift Giving Guidelines
Parents may not be at the same level financially. As a result, some parents with more financial stability may try to win their child’s affection or make the other parent look bad by buying the child expensive gifts. Parents may also disagree on what kinds of gifts are appropriate for their children.
For example, a mother might want to buy her son a new car for his 16th birthday, but the father may not approve. In any case, discussing gift ideas and price limitations ahead of time will help better manage expectations. If the parents are on the same page, the child may be less likely to take sides when it comes to the divorce.
Respect and Adhere to Any Agreed-Upon Parenting Plan
Some parents disregard parenting plans and try to keep their child for more time or constantly switch weekends last minute with the other parent. Being flexible can help everybody get along, but do your best to respect the parenting plan’s holiday schedule. The other parent may have already made holiday plans with the children, so if you ask to switch Thanksgiving and Christmas at the last minute, for example, it can create a lot of stress and tension.
Many parents want to spend as much time as possible with their children during the holidays. That makes coming up with a visitation plan especially difficult. Fortunately, a qualified attorney can help you come up with a plan that is fair and in the best interest of your children.
To make sure you get to spend quality time with your children, especially during the holiday season, call The Ward Law Firm at 770-383-1973 for help during divorce or with other child custody issues, including creating or modifying an existing custody schedule.
