The holidays are a busy time of year, particularly for co-parents. If this is the first time you’ve been through the holidays since your separation, then there will be some challenges to navigate.
Just because you are no longer romantically involved that doesn’t mean you can’t remain amicable and give your children a fun holiday experience. Outlined below are a few tips to help you get through this period.
Find a way to split the time
There is no one size fits all approach to splitting parenting time over the holidays. Some parents find it works best to alternate years in terms of spending Christmas day with the kids. Other parents like to split the day equally, with one parent taking Christmas morning and the other taking the afternoon.
If you’re still amicable with your co-parent, there’s nothing to say that the family can’t spend the day together. Every family is unique, and you should apply the method that works best for you and your kids.
Communicate about gifts
It can be helpful if co-parents communicate over gifts. It’s best to avoid giving the impression that one parent is spending much more than the other. Not only create mixed signals for the kids but it can create tension between parents.
Again, if you’re amicable, you may want to purchase joint presents. This shows that you can still work as a team and prioritize your children over any personal disagreements.
Successful co-parenting relies on communication. This is the case throughout the entirety of your children’s upbringing and not just during the holidays. A solid parenting plan can help you get started. Seek legal guidance to assess your options in more detail.
