Tips for Co-Parenting Success During the Holidays
Holidays are meant to be a fun and festive time of year for the whole family. However, every family is unique and different family structures and dynamics can add an extra level of stress and difficulty when it comes to the holidays.
We know this can be especially true for co-parenting families, with both parents wanting to enjoy this special time of year and have quality time with their children. Regardless of where you are at in your separation, these tips can help your family have co-parenting success these holidays.
Understanding the Dynamics of Co-Parenting During Holidays
Whether you have recently separated or have been separated for a while, the holidays can continue to bring up challenges and stress for parents and children alike. It’s important for children to spend quality time with both parents during the holidays, but this can be difficult with scheduling conflicts, the logistics of getting time off from work, and differing household traditions.
Navigating these factors can be stressful and cause strong emotional responses and conflict from all parties involved, including children. Children will often pick up on these emotions and conflicts, which can dampen their holiday spirit.
By recognising these dynamics and how they can impact moods, you can make some simple changes to help keep the spirit alive and have a positive co-parenting experience.
Tips to Improve Co-Parenting During Holidays
Fostering Effective Communication
Establishing and fostering open lines of communication between co-parents and children is the best way to minimise conflict. Clear and respectful conversations are necessary to ensure that everyone is on the same page and is aware of any expectations or requests.
Having clear conversations with your child or children regarding their hopes for the holidays can help both you and your co-parent stay on the same page and prioritise your child’s desires. Also, make sure your co-parent is aware of any boundaries or availability you may have to prevent issues.
Creating a Holiday Co-Parenting Plan
Part of clear communication is creating a balanced schedule that suits everyone and allows your child or children to spend a good amount of quality time with both parents. This can include drafting up a calendar for the holiday season that lists your availability, time off, tentative plans and who will be having the children when. Or agreeing to alternate holidays or years if you live further apart or have plans to travel.
When creating your holiday plans, it’s important to leave some wiggle room where possible for unexpected changes or special events. Respectful communication is essential when making plans to minimise conflict and ensure a smooth and joyous holiday for everyone, especially your children.
Putting the Children First
Most parents will agree that their children’s happiness is their top priority. So, make sure this is reflected in your communications and holiday plans by listening to their desires and including them in the plans where possible.
This includes considering any requests for holiday activities, times that they want to spend at a specific house or holiday traditions that they want to participate in. We know it’s not always possible to make everything happen exactly the way they hope, but by listening and making attempts you can ensure your children feel valued and heard. This can also foster a more positive mood and even help you create more successful plans for everyone involved.
Then, make sure to spend time creating positive and lasting experiences that keep your children at the forefront. Scheduling fun activities can help keep your children entertained and will be happy memories that last forever.
Managing Emotional Wellbeing
Finally, take time to care for your and your children’s emotional wellbeing. Holidays can be stressful, but by practising mindfulness or talking to a trusted friend or professional you can manage any big emotions and stay on deck for your children.
Positive support can make all the difference during the holidays, for both you and your children. Children perceive and take on more emotions and stress than some parents know or would like to think they do, so you need to support them.
Always emphasise the importance of communication and show your children that they can trust you and talk to you or your co-parent anytime and that you’ll do whatever you need to help them.
Consider Professional Mediation
None of these tips will work if you are unable to clearly and respectfully communicate with your co-parent. If the lines of communication are tense for any reason, you may need to consider scheduling professional family dispute resolution and mediation services.
During mediation, we can help to manage disputes and create mutually beneficial schedules for successful co-parenting. Our goal is to open up healthy communication between both parties. We understand that some conflict can be healthy and a little heat is to be expected, but we are there to prevent any escalation and ensure that you reach a mutually beneficial resolution.
Enjoy Successful Co-Parenting These Holidays
Making a few adjustments can be necessary to get through the holidays, especially with different family dynamics and situations. With clear communication and detailed yet flexible plans that put your children first and by nurturing emotional health, you can keep the holiday spirit alive and create happy memories that last forever.
However, we understand that implementing these methods can be difficult when tensions are already high. So, to help make your holidays smooth and enjoyable for everyone, our family law professionals can help you establish respectful and productive lines of communication through family dispute resolution and mediation services.