The holiday season is a time to connect with your loved ones and celebrate what you have with gratitude. Although, during or after separation, navigating the holidays may be difficult in determining where your children fall between shared calendars, traditions and finances. Making a Holiday Co-Parenting Plan can make the holiday easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
The first step to success, as a divorced or separated parent during the holidays, is open communication, early on. If possible, have a discussion with your co-parent regarding individual schedules, financial considerations, and any travel plans involving the children. By starting communication early, you can prevent disagreements and foster a clear mutual understanding. Creating a holiday parenting plan can benefit both co-parents and the child when managing a separation.
To see more on co-parenting during the holiday season, see our blog on Navigating the Holiday Season: Tips for Divorced or Separated Parents.
A parenting plan sets out things like how co-parents choose to communicate with each other, parenting time, and the time spent with extended family like grandparents.
Your holiday co-parenting plan may seek to answer questions such as:
Your co-parenting plan should be unique to your circumstances, detailed and in writing so that you are able to refer back to it in case of disagreement.
It is important to note that if you are travelling outside Canada with your children, aside from outlining it in your co-parenting plan, you may also need a consent letter.
During the Holiday Season, it is important to focus on making your separation easier for your children. You can do this by being flexible and keeping communication positive between you and your co-parent. It is important to remember that if you have recently separated, the holidays will not be the same. Embracing change and limiting your expectations will aid you in creating new memories and cherish them with your loved ones.
The holiday season is a time to connect with your loved ones. Navigating co-parenting during the holiday season can be difficult and it is important to remember that you are not alone this holiday season. Seeking the support of friends, family or your community can help you focus on gratitude during the holiday season. If you need legal assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.