Attorney Jay A Schwartz: How to plan for successful co-parenting during the holidays
Co-parenting takes constant work and communication. Therefore, you need to always be looking at ways that you can improve your relationship with the other parent, and how you communicate on a daily or weekly basis.
While you may now be at the point where you can effortlessly go through the routine of sharing custody without any issues, you may need to place your focus on future events and how you want to approach the topic with the other parent. With the holiday period coming up, you should think about how you want to engage this issue and what compromises you are willing to make.
Plan ahead
While the holidays may seem far into the future, it’s always best to plan ahead. When thinking about Thanksgiving, for example, try to approach the topic at the end of the summer if you have not already got an agreement with regard to where your children will celebrate the holiday.
Prioritize the children
It’s likely that both parents will want to spend time with their children during the holidays. But this time — and any aspect of divorcing — is not meant to be about what is best for the parents. Instead, parents should consider the best interests of their children, as well as the kids’ personal preferences if they are old enough to express this.
Be willing to compromise
Unfortunately, if you share custody of your children, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to spend every Christmas with them. You and the other parent may set up an arrangement where the children alternate between parents at Christmas each year. It’s important that you manage your own expectations and realize that you will have to make compromises and be flexible.
Look after yourself
While spending the holidays can be lonely without your children, it can be a great opportunity for you to take care of your own needs.
If you are new to co-parenting, you may want to consider putting in place a parenting plan that can include arrangements for the holiday period.
Originally published at https://www.schwartzlawfirmpc.com on November 5, 2020.
