Holidays and Parenting Time

The holidays are quickly approaching us and before we know it we will be preparing for Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas family gatherings. This, however, can be a very stressful and negative time when it comes to separated parents and disagreements on who spends what holiday and school break where.

These holiday conflicts can be very frustrating for parents, however it is important to remember that holidays may be especially hard on the children. It is important for you, the parent, to start new traditions and give your child something positive to look forward to during the upcoming holidays.

As this holiday season comes around, especially if this is the first Thanksgiving and Christmas you are separated from the other parent, it is definitely helpful to remember that the holidays can be just as positive as they were before the separation. It definitely is not that easy of a task, however here are a few things to keep in mind to make parenting and visiting time easiest when trying to collaborate with another parent.

Be flexible & document:

Focus on your child rather than “your rights as a parent”. Think about what is in your child’s best interest. Also, it is very beneficial just in case something does go awry to use email as the main form of communication when making holiday parenting time plans. This way, if you ever have to go to court you can prove that you are flexible and willing to be cooperative. Document any changes in plans over the holidays.

Don’t ever force your child to pick:

Making your children choose what parent to spend any holiday with puts them in a very negative and awkward spot, and it definitely is not what is best for them.

Family is more important than a date on a calendar:

Often times separated parents argue the most who gets the child on the actual day of Christmas and Thanksgiving. If it cannot be settled or agreed upon, step up and be the better person and just decide to celebrate the holiday on a different calendar day. Family and celebrating without the stress and disputes are much more important than any specific date.

Unless stated in the court order, parenting time can change during this time:

Don’t let the other parent involved tell you otherwise. You are allowed to make modifications during the holidays.

Plan in advance:

You can always arrange holiday parenting schedules early, and the more details and specifics involved, the better.

Call An Experienced Fort Wayne Parenting Time Attorney

If the other parent doesn’t want to cooperate at all for the holidays or you are having any other issues with a court-ordered visitation and parenting schedule, The Bellinger Law Office is here to help. We have experience in visitation and parenting time and can help you fight your case. Call us at 260-428-2214 today or contact us online.