For most people, the holiday season is a time of joy and merriment. However, when you’re sharing custody of your children with an ex-partner, celebrating the holidays can be a bit more complicated. From coordinating schedules to ensuring your children have an enjoyable experience, there are a lot of things to balance.
Here are a few tips to make co-parenting during the holidays as seamless as possible.
Successfully Co-Parenting During the Holidays
Plan Ahead
Don’t leave planning to the last minute. The best way to ensure that you and your co-parent get equal time with your children (and avoid clashing) is by putting together a written plan in advance. Decide who will take the kids to certain experiences (seeing Santa, for example), and who will be getting them specific gifts. If there are any disagreements about the terms of your court order, be sure to discuss them with your legal counsel sooner rather than later.
Avoid Any Bad-Mouthing
Especially if you have tension with your ex, it can be tempting to let your frustration slip in front of the kids. However, doing so can have a negative impact on your children
Do your best to keep any negative comments to yourself — your kids should remember festive holiday experiences, not a hurtful comment about their other parent.
Keep Up with Traditions
Did your family have a tradition of going ice skating each holiday season? Did you always cook a special meal on Christmas Eve? Show your kids that those traditions don’t have to change just because their parents are no longer together.
Coordinate with your co-parent to decide what traditions will be held where, and, if you’re on good enough terms, consider continuing those traditions together.
You can also make new traditions with your children, such as holiday movie nights or cookie decorating, so they begin to associate these new experiences with just you.
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If you are looking for an experienced legal advocate who can guide you through every step of the process and help you achieve your goals, turn to Friedman & Mirman Co., L.P.A.. Our Columbus family law attorneys work diligently to understand each client’s unique situation so that they can formulate the most customized and effective strategies.
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