Timesharing Tips During the Holidays
The holidays are supposed to be the most beautiful time of the year. Children are off from school, and friends and family gather to spend time together. However, the holiday season can be a tough time for divorced individuals with children. For divorced parents who share child custody, the holidays can bring about stress as they navigate timesharing arrangements. This is especially true if this is the first holiday for a family since the divorce. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help minimize the stress of custody during the holidays. In this article, we share some timesharing tips to help you and your child’s other parent manage the holidays successfully and make co-parenting work.
- Plan Early
Have a conversation with your co-parent about your holiday plans as early as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to have this conversation. Share your goals for the holiday and listen to your co-parent’s plans. Are there any travel plans? Will there be family gatherings? Discussing plans early in advance ensures both parents know what to expect and allows both parents enough time to plan themselves. Not sharing your plans early can result in conflicts and ruin everyone’s plans.
- Be Willing to Compromise
Structure and planning are important. However, flexibility is also vital. Life happens, and sometimes it is necessary to make changes. Be willing to compromise when an unexpected situation arises. For example, your co-parent may unexpectedly have their extended family coming into town. They may request trading visitation days. Be understanding and consider their request. If the situation were reversed, you’d want your co-parent to extend the same courtesy.
If you agree to adjust or give up your scheduled parenting time to accommodate your co-parent’s request, arrange a make-up day to compensate for the time lost.
- Put Your Child First
Your child’s best interests should come first. Whatever decisions you make, you must ensure they are in your child’s best interest. Make sure your child feels loved and comfortable and enjoys the holidays. Essentially, this entails ensuring your child can spend time with both sides of the family. Do not place your child in the middle of parental disputes or make them feel guilty for spending time with their other parent.
Depending on your child’s age and maturity, consider asking them for their input on how they would like to spend their holidays. This can help them feel valued and more comfortable with the holiday plans. Including your child in the decision-making can reduce anxiety, foster a sense of control, and ensure the arrangement suits their preferences, thus making the holidays more enjoyable.
- Be Clear About Logistics and Timing
It is important to know where and at what time your child will be picked up and dropped off during the holidays. This will help avoid stress during the holidays.
- Discuss Gifts
You should also discuss gifts to minimize the stress of custody during the holidays. Discussing gifts can help avoid duplication of gifts or competition. It ensures coordination, allowing the child to receive thoughtful, non-conflicting gifts.
Contact Us for Legal Help
For legal help, contact our qualified Orlando family lawyers at the Arwani Law Firm.
