8 Tips to Prevent Co-Parenting Holiday Conflicts

The 2021 holiday season is rapidly approaching. The holidays are a time for many families to unwind with loved ones and share memories with those who matter to us the most. They can also become a source of stress for co-parents.

It is challenging to handle custody and schedule matters, especially if you are not on good terms with your child’s other parent. However, expectation and time management are powerful tools to support the most joyful holiday season possible, even when far apart.

In this article, a Montana co-parenting mediator offers her top eight most practical tips for preventing co-parenting holiday conflicts.

Tip 1. Communicate Flexibly with Your Co-Parent

Circumstances can change at any time, and co-parents must remain adaptable and receptive to last-minute changes. If something unexpected occurs, co-parents should communicate the situation immediately and develop any necessary solutions. Doing so also helps your co-parent avoid scheduling conflicts while expressing respect for their needs.

Tip 2. Coordinate Your Work Schedules

It is vital to determine how you will co-parent your child during school vacations, especially when you both work full-time. While each of you may receive some time off, breaks are typically much longer than one’s PTO allows. Maximize the amount of time that you both spend with your child by coordinating your work schedules seamlessly.

Tip 3. Discuss Holiday Gift-Giving

Consult your co-parent regarding the gifts you wish to give your child. If they have their heart set on something slightly out of your price range, you can suggest pooling your funds. Discussing gifts with your co-parent is also critical to avoid the dreaded scenario of purchasing the same item and necessitating gift returns.

Tip 4. Maintain as Much Consistency as Possible

Consistency is critical for children in co-parenting arrangements, even more so when they are young. If you develop a protocol for holiday management, include it in your co-parenting agreement. This strategy increases annual consistency, providing stability in your child’s life.

Tip 5. Organize Your Child’s Major Activities

Many schools host Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas potlucks. If your child expresses an interest in attending one of these events, you must decide whether one of you will accompany them or both of you. You can also agree to alternate attendance so that both parents can share equal enjoyment.

Tip 6. Plan Vacations Well in Advance

The holidays are a favorite vacation time of the year. If you intend to travel with your child, discuss your plans with your co-parent as far in advance as possible. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation where both parents have scheduled vacations during the same period, and one of them must cancel.

Tip 7. Validate Your Children’s Emotions

Holidays are challenging for divorced parents, and they are even more so for shared children. Your children may be experiencing sadness, anger, and confusion as they attempt to navigate the holidays without both parents present. Rather than downplaying their feelings, consider recasting the narrative around empathy, love, and trust.

Tip 8. Update Your Parenting Plan If Necessary

Co-parents should remain aware of their parenting plan’s terms. If it includes holiday provisions, co-parents must review it to determine which parent will have the child on which holiday. Consider updating your parenting plan through co-parenting mediation if necessary.

Final Tips for Preventing Holiday Co-Parenting Conflicts

The holidays are not easy on co-parenting houses. However, time and consistency can provide the stability that your child and family need. Remain open-minded to change and act in good faith toward your co-parent.

A Montana co-parenting mediator can help you privately and quickly make changes if you need to update your co-parenting plan. This strategy ensures that both co-parents comply with the terms and avoid parenting plan violations. It can also create a supportive environment for a bright holiday season and few conflicts.

Speak with a Montana Co-Parenting Mediator

The Law Offices of Marta N. Farmer PLLC helps families throughout Montana find a solution that works for them. Schedule an initial consultation with our office now by calling (406) 529-2764 or message us here privately. Our legal team looks forward to learning more about your needs.