Tips for Parents in a Shared Parenting Arrangement During the Holiday Season
- Try to minimize conflict! The Holidays can be a stressful. Remember to not take your stress out on your loved ones.
- Finalize the parenting schedule well in advance of the Christmas Holidays! Our recommendation is to split this special season with the Children equally. For example, if one parent gets Christmas Eve, the other gets Christmas Day.
- Consider what the Children’s views – if they want to see both parents together on Christmas, consider if this is a possibility as co-parents.
- Discuss gifts for the Children beforehand. Do not try to outdo the other parent! We recommend buying comparable gifts.
- Do not badmouth your co-parent – encourage your Children to enjoy their time with the other parent during the holiday season.
- Be open to any last-minute changes. Ensure that the lines of communication between you and your co-parent are open facilitating any last-minute scheduling changes.
- Don’t introduce new romantic partners to the Children during the Christmas season. Splitting the holidays between two households can already be a stressful time for Children. We recommend introducing new romantic partners during the regular parenting schedule.
Happy Holidays from the lawyers and staff at Soby Boyden Lenz LLP!
