Tips for Successful Shared Child Custody This Holiday

The holiday season can feel a bit complicated when families are living with divorce, separation, or remarriage. However, no matter if you are newly divorced or have been for awhile, you are likely to focus on putting your children first this holiday season. If you share custody with your ex-partner, here are a few tips for keeping things cordial and comforting for the kids.

Know the Schedule
Typically, adults who share custody of children already have an agreement that dictates holiday schedules. Double check the agreement and make sure you and your ex-partner are on the same page with where the kids should be during the season, and when they should be there.

Talk About Transportation
Shuttling your children to and from holiday obligations can feel especially stressful during this time of year. If possible, work out a shared transportation schedule with your ex-partner so that one of you isn’t taking on the full load of driving the kids to events.

Invite Each Other to Child-Centered Events
Both you and your ex-partner want to be at your kiddo’s holiday concert at school, and chances are high that your child wants you both there as well. Be sure to communicate with your ex-partner to get these important child-centered events on everyone’s calendar. This can feel especially hard if this is your first holiday season apart, but it is worth the effort to send the text so that your child can feel special with both parents.

Talk About Gifts – Don’t Compete
Communicate with your ex-partner about gift ideas for your children so that your kids are not getting doubles at each of their homes. Even more importantly, resist the urge to compete with your ex-partner when it comes to gift giving. Stick with your allotted budget for the season and don’t try to out-give your ex.

Allow for Grief
The holiday season is especially emotional, and it can feel painful every holiday you spend apart from your children. Give yourself some extra grace and self-care when spending it away from your kiddos.

Are you in the middle of a separation this holiday season? Don’t go at it alone. Give the team at Gandhi Selim Law a call today; we are experienced with all types of family law situations and advocate for the best outcomes for our clients. Let us join your team and guide you through this difficult time.