Tips for Co-Parenting During the Holidays and COVID-19

Even if you share custody of your children, the holidays can be difficult to navigate as to who gets to spend time with which parent. And now, when you throw the COVID-19 pandemic into the mix, it gets all the more challenging.

Since there aren’t two of each holiday, someone is going to have to give up celebrating on the actual day of the holiday and celebrate another time with their children. If you are co-parenting and trying to figure out a schedule that works for the upcoming holidays while still taking the necessary COVID-19 precautions, here are a few tips for navigating your way and successfully co-parenting.

Refer to the divorce agreement

Did you and your ex-partner already agree on a holiday schedule when you went through your divorce? If you have already decided upon a set schedule (like every other year, for example), this would be the best start for figuring out what will happen this holiday season. If you need to make changes because of a specific situation, it would be best to chat with your ex-partner to see if changes can be made.

Put any plans into writing

If you and your ex-partner have agreed to a plan for how to co-parent this holiday season, make sure you get the plan in writing so that both parties know what is going on and you have something to refer back to if needed.

Ask your children

If your children are old enough to voice what they want, ask them what they want to do. Any plans made should be made in the best interests of your child(ren), so consider what they want to do. If they are on board with the plan, you will know pretty quickly, so pay attention to how they react.

Be flexible

No matter how carefully you plan out the holidays, things can happen that may mess up your schedules. Especially in a pandemic, you’ll need to be flexible if someone needs to isolate. But, of course, other non-pandemic emergencies and circumstances may also arise. So be ready to adapt and don’t let a last-minute schedule change ruin your holiday.

Communicate

Regardless of the plan you decide on, communication with your ex-partner will be paramount in successfully getting through the holidays. Try to stay as calm and communicate clearly with your ex-partner. Remember, this is a time for your children to enjoy, and their needs should come first. If something comes up and you need to change your plans, reach out to your ex-partner respectfully and calmly to discuss what you need and see if they can accommodate.

The holidays are a time for family and spending time with those you love the most. Working through this time with your ex-partner to co-parent your children can be difficult, but with some patience, you will be able to come up with a plan that works for both parents and gives everyone some time to spend together this holiday.

Contact Fine and Associates today

Unfortunately, there may be times during the holiday season that you just aren’t able to come to an agreement with your ex, and you may need the help of a professional to get you through it. If you find this to be the case this year, contact us today to speak with one of our family lawyers.