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Five Essential Holiday Co-Parenting Tips

December 19, 2022
Media Family Law Lawyer at Eckell Sparks Helps Clients Navigate Divorce and Parenting Plans During the Holidays.

The holiday season can be challenging for divorced parents, particularly for those who have recently separated, but it does not have to be this way. Here are five co-parenting tips for the holiday season.

Plan Ahead

If your separation or divorce is recent, you are probably dealing with some stress. Worrying or wondering where the children will be spending the holidays only compounds those emotions. Make a holiday parenting schedule as early as possible. With a solid plan in place, everyone knows what to expect, and there will be no unpleasant surprises than can ruin the holiday season.  

Refer to Your Parenting Plan

Every parenting plan is different, and some are more detailed than others. Ideally, you and your ex have a schedule for the holidays that is fair and reasonable for everyone, particularly the children. Some co-parents choose to alternate holidays so the children can spend time with both parents.

Co-parents who live close to each other may share the day, allowing the children to spend half the day in one home and head over to the other home for the remainder of the holiday. Some parents even choose to spend the holidays together as a family. Your lawyer can explain all the various holiday co-parenting options.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Communication is key when it comes to figuring out a holiday parenting schedule. Avoid sending messages via the children, and stick to the form of contact that works best for you and your ex. That can be verbal conversations, emails, or texts, depending on the nature of your co-parenting relationship. Co-parents can also use apps to communicate, manage shared schedules, and manage expenses in a secure, shared space.

Speak With Your Children

Once your children are old enough to express their feelings, ask them where and how they want to spend the holidays. Maybe they have extended family on one side they want to see. Consider their input when making your holiday schedule. While it may not be practical to honor every request, including children in these decisions empowers them and helps them feel more secure and comfortable.

Be Willing to Compromise

When couples separate and one household becomes two, every member of the family must make adjustments. A bit of flexibility and grace when it comes to the holidays can make this transition easier.

Not all co-parents are capable of this type of relationship. If your ex is combative or inflexible, you will need to adhere to the guidelines in your parenting plan. Above all, the goal is to make decisions that reflect the best interests of your children. 

Media Family Law Lawyer at Eckell Sparks Helps Clients Navigate Divorce and Parenting Plans During the Holidays

Whether you are considering divorce or want to modify an existing holiday parenting plan, you can get legal assistance from our Media family law lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.