Preventing Holiday Parenting Time Disputes 

 Posted on October 26, 2022 in Child Custody

Sharing custody of a child is no easy task. Divorced and unmarried co-parents must contend with many different parenting issues throughout the year. However, the holiday season can be an especially difficult time for families to get along. Children cannot be in two places at once, and parents and extended family may argue about which holiday gatherings children attend. As winter holidays approach, consider the following tips for preventing parenting time disputes.

Sharing Custody of Your Kids Over the Holidays

There is no way to completely avoid arguments and conflict during a co-parenting relationship. Disagreements and hurt feelings are bound to arise. However, with careful planning and preparation, you may be able to reduce the amount of conflict between you and the other parent. 

• Review your parenting plan - Your parenting plan describes the allocation of parental responsibilities as well as the parenting time schedule. A well-written plan clarifies parenting time on holidays and other special occasions, too. Review your parenting plan before the holidays to avoid any confusion about who gets the children on what days. If you do not have a formal parenting plan, now is the time to sit down with the other parent and create one.

• Communicate with your co-parent early and often - Good communication is key to avoiding parenting time disputes. Be sure to talk to your co-parent about your holiday plans as soon as possible. If you wait until the last minute, it will be harder to make changes if necessary. If the relationship between you and the other parent is hostile, consider using text messages and emails to communicate. This way, you will have a written record of your conversations.

• Try to be flexible - It is important to be flexible when co-parenting, especially during the holidays. You may need to make some adjustments to your plans in order to accommodate the other parent. For example, if you usually have the children on Christmas Eve, you may need to be flexible and allow the other parent to have them this year. In return, the other parent may need to be flexible with you on a different occasion.

• Think about the children’s needs - When making holiday plans, always keep the children’s needs in mind. Try to schedule holiday activities at times when they will be able to participate. Avoid scheduling activities that may be too overwhelming or stressful for them.

• Get help from a third party - If you and the other parent cannot agree on a holiday parenting time schedule, you may need to seek help from a mediator or attorney. A third party can help you come to an agreement that is in the best interests of your children.

Contact a Kane County Child Custody Lawyer

Whether you are planning to divorce or you have been a single or divorced co-parent for years, our St. Charles family law attorneys can address your child custody needs. Call Goostree Law Group's office at 630-584-4800 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.2houses.com/en/blog/co-parenting-during-the-holidays-top-tips-for-parents