With the festive season only weeks away, it can be an emotional time negotiating parenting arrangements for the Christmas period. Sometimes partners cannot agree on a changeover time, or distance makes it difficult to make considered arrangements. Despite its challenges, it is in your child’s best interests to keep the Christmas stress and potential disputes to a minimum.
With this in mind, our ‘12 tips of Christmas’ are as follows:
1. Christmas may change. However, embracing new traditions and celebrating two new families shouldn’t be feared.
2. How about two Christmases? Making Christmas Eve or extending the celebration to Boxing day could add a new level of excitement for the kids if you are struggling to fit everything in one day.
3. Think big: If you’re arguing over Christmas arrangements, think about the bigger picture and be prepared to meet in the middle.
4. Remember: You just want to ensure the kids have an opportunity to spend time with those that love them.
5. Communicate: Take the time to communicate with your ex-partner, learn their expectations and what things are important to them. Maybe there is a compromise.
6. Keep it simple: The last thing (and most stressful) is attempting to cater for everyone. Limit the travel between one venue to another. You don’t want to spend Christmas in the car.
7. How will Santa find me? A common question for little ones is if Santa will still be able to find them on the big day. Make sure they know that Santa knows where they are falling asleep on Christmas eve.
8. Don’t compete: Communicate with your ex-partner about gift expectations and activities on the day. Don’t try and outdo one another.
9. Be the bigger person: Kids are perceptive and will notice if you rise above.
10. Be mindful of maturity: As your kids grow, allow them to contribute to this decision.
11. Keep it quiet: Your kids don’t want to feel like they’re part of the problem.
12. Let them know: Once an arrangement has been made, let your kids know! They will take comfort in having a plan.
Finally, it is our advice that if you do have a parenting order in place that this order remains despite the mayhem Christmas brings.
Reach out to Moin Morris Schaefer for expert assistance with all your family law needs. Our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
