Co-parenting During the Holidays

Co-parenting can be challenging at the best of the times but without a well laid out plan covering the holidays, there could be difficulties for all parties concerned. The parties that should have consideration are not only the child’s parents, but their family’s as well. During the holiday season, plans need to be discussed and made in advanced. More than likely, the families would like the child to participate in celebrations and traditions. Making the arrangements could lead to arguments from both parents. With the right planning, plans can be made that will satisfy everyone while keeping the child’s happiness in the forefront.

Keep in mind that school-aged children have two or more weeks away from school, so that should help while making plans. In a perfect world, the child would spend Christmas Day with one parent and New Year’s Day with the other but it always doesn’t work out that way. Time should split equally between the parents to benefit everyone, especially the child. Plans should be agreed upon so the child will have no stress to deal with the holidays’ arrival. If issues can’t be resolved, Angela Grant Lee Law will help.

While setting the holiday arrangements:

• Communicate, communicate, communicate!

Keep the lines of communication and be available for any discussions. If you co-parented last year, think about the plans that worked out and those that didn’t. Meet in the middle if necessary and play fair with each other while keeping your child’s needs in the top of your mind.

• Set ground rules

Each parent may have traditions that they would like the child to participate in but child drop offs and pick ups need to adhered to. In these times of COVID-19, a discussion about who the child may visit with may arise. Make sure you both agree on how gatherings will be handled.

• Think ahead

While there are traditions that take place through the holidays and and they are important, nothing is more special than time spent with the child during the holidays. It may work out that a gathering may be missed or may have to be rescheduled, so be it. The child comes first. Perhaps it’s time to start new traditions.

Making plans for the holidays in advance is best to avoid last-minute disputes. Another discussion that should take place is about the purchase of gifts. Both parents need to be on the same page about each other’s gifting and not to try to outdo each other. A co-parenting situation can work if handled properly. The holidays can be a joyous occasion but if you are have trouble reaching an agreement with co-parenting during the holidays Angela Grant-Lee Law will assist you and take care of the legalities within your financial means. Angela Grant-Lee and her team will strive to help you find a solution to your holiday co-parenting needs.

Reach out to the team at Angela Grant-Lee Law online at www.grantleelaw.ca or give them a call at (905) 315-6837.