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How to Safely Co-Parent This Halloween

October 20, 2020

Halloween is the beginning of a long holiday season that can be difficult for parents with child custody arrangements. Additionally, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made trick-or-treating more challenging for families with children. It is important for parents to abide by co-parenting agreements and stay safe during Halloween activities.

Review the Co-Parenting Agreement

Parents should review and discuss their parenting plans before Halloween. Since these agreements vary based on the couple, parents must determine who will have the children, when, and how they will handle Halloween events. If parents are not communicating properly, the situation could end in an argument that might ruin the holiday for the children.

This plan should include when the children will be picked up after Halloween, if they are staying the night, and who, if anyone, will be in the house with them. If one parent wishes to make modifications, they should speak to a lawyer about their options.

Should I Check the Costumes First?

Parents should talk about the costumes the children will wear before any Halloween event. Children are often asked what they want to be for the holiday, but parents may not agree on the costumes. When both parents come to an agreement about how costumes should be selected, the children can then proceed with having a good time.

Do not involve the children in any disagreement over costumes. While a child may ask to dress up as a certain character or person, they should not be involved in the final decision when parents disagree.

How can I Take Extra Care Because of COVID-19?

Parents should do their best to take extra care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they can take the following steps to make the holiday safer:

  • Add gloves to each child’s costume.
  • Add a face mask to each costume.
  • Avoid trick-or-treating outside the community where one or both parents lives.
  • Do not attend large Halloween parties.
  • Avoid haunted houses.
  • Do not attend hayrides with anyone other than immediate family members.

Parents must carefully plan activities for their children and ensure everyone’s safety. Parents should agree on where the children will go and what they will do. For example, the family can have a party at home with immediate family members instead of going to a party elsewhere. Adding gloves and masks to each costume is important, and it also helps the children stay warm.

If the family remains in an area close to their home, they can trick-or-treat with people they know. Families should avoid haunted houses because tight spaces could cause the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, hayrides are only safe if the family stays together. In some cases, hayride attractions allow families to drive in their personal vehicle so that everyone can social distance and stay safe.

Can I Make Modifications to an Existing Parenting Plan?

If a parent wishes to make changes to a child custody arrangement, they should speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can petition to make adjustments. An attorney will also protect their client’s rights and make sure that they have time with their children.

Media Child Custody Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Clients with Parenting Plans

Halloween is a fun time for a family, but it is important to make sure that it is celebrated safely. If you wish to make changes to a child custody agreement, our Media child custody lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.