How to Co-parent During the Holidays

The holiday season is around the corner. It’s a season to spend time with those who matter most to you. However, it may not be all roses for recently divorced couples co-parenting. Considering that each parent may want to spend time with the children, a little planning can help parents avoid anxiety and tension.

Here are just a few tips for a drama-free holiday season:

1. Coordinate With The Other Parent

Communicate your holiday plans with the other parent from the outset to make sure you are both on the same page regarding holiday parenting time. Although communication can be difficult, coordinating holiday schedules now will help your family navigate a potentially stressful season. 

As you develop your plans for the season, remember that this is a special time not just for you, but also for your children. By sacrificing time with your children in your home so that they can spend time with their other parent, you are helping them create lifelong holiday memories with both parents.

In some cases, parents agree to parenting time around the holidays through a separation or custody agreement. Some parents may also choose to swap holidays, with children spending time with one parent on Christmas and the other parent on New Years. Whatever your specific situation may be, communication is the key to a successful holiday season.

2. Be Flexible

Having a plan is great, but even the best laid plans sometimes fall apart. Kids may get sick. Weather may prevent travel. Last minute opportunities to spend time with distant relatives may arise.

When your holiday plans do not unfold exactly as planned, a little flexibility can go a long way. Maybe you shift the dates that children will spend with each parent. Perhaps you decide to trade parenting time this holiday season for the next. Whatever the circumstances, there is bound to be a win-win solution.

3. Consider Counseling and Mediation

If you and your ex are not on good terms and you are unable to agree on a co-parenting plan, you should consider seeking help. Parenting plans can be modified, and custody orders may be modified. But before you rush to court, consider meeting with a neutral, third party such as a family mediation attorney to discuss your needs and desired outcomes. By coming together, you can work towards a parenting plan that not only works for this year’s holiday season, but all of those yet to come.

4. Focus On Your Own Wellbeing

It’s normal to feel the anxiety and stress involved in co-parenting during holidays. Make sure to prioritize your physical and emotional wellbeing. Take time to get exercise, read a book, schedule a massage, or spend time outdoors.

Your children are smart, and they will pick up on any stress you and their other parent are feeling around the holidays. Now is the time to decompress after a long year and enter into the holidays relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment you have with your children.

5. Start New Family Traditions

If this is your first holiday after a divorce, it can feel as though you are grieving the loss of beloved family traditions. But divorce is not the end of your family - you still have your children to create new memories with. Instead of lamenting the loss of family time, find new ways to celebrate the holidays and begin building new holiday traditions that your children will look forward to each year.

Looking for A Cincinnati Family Attorney? Get in Touch

If you and your ex-partner cannot agree on a co-parenting plan, consider seeking the help of an experienced family law attorney. At Wagner & Bloch, we will take a comprehensive approach to your issue to ensure you have a smooth co-parenting experience throughout the holiday season. Contact us online or call us at 513-751-4420 to schedule a free consultation.