Divorce is never easy, but the holidays have a way of making it even harder. Especially when you are navigating religious waters while also trying to co-parent.
It’s important to remember that the holiday season is supposed to be a time for togetherness. It’s when memories are created, so instead of dreading the upcoming holiday season, here are a few tips for working together to co-parent effectively.
- Make a game plan ahead of time
Planning in advance who your children will spend the holidays with takes a lot of fight out of holiday co-parenting. If it’s already decided, there’s nothing to fight about.
Coordinate with your ex-spouse on all the decisions you can, including religion. If you are of the same religion or different, make specific plans on when your children will be with each of you, and how religion will play into those interactions.
Are you bringing your children to church or synagogue or a mosque? Is your partner of a different religion? Make sure your lawyer has put into your co-parenting plan what is expected of each of you in regards to religion so you aren’t fighting about it at the holidays. Instead, it is a set expectation.
- Coordinate gifts
If at all possible, sit down with your ex and coordinate who is buying what, and how much each of you are going to spend. If you can agree not to blindside each other with extravagant gifts on Christmas morning, or during Hanukah, it will go a long way towards keeping a harmonious relationship with your ex.
- Schedule some time for yourself
Even if you follow all the right things to do during the holiday time and have a great relationship with your ex, it’s still going to be hard. At some point, you will be away from your children during the holidays. Accept this and schedule some time when you know they’ll be away to do something nice for yourself.
Dealing with divorce is never easy, but having a lawyer who understands how to help you navigate the holidays by creating strong parenting plans and fighting for your rights will make this season much less stressful. You need a lawyer who is willing to fight for your family. Contact me to learn more.
