Christmas is an exciting time for children filled with fun, food and festivities.
However, for parents who are separated, the run up to Christmas can be a difficult
time, particularly if the arrangements for the children have not been agreed.
Here are our top tips for separated parents for navigating this period.
Five tips
1. Focus on what is best for the children.
Parents may have differing views on what the children should and should not be doing, the priority should be the children’s wellbeing and to promote a positive
festive experience for them between their two homes.
2. Try to be mindful and respectful of the other parent.
Maintaining open and respectful communication with the other parent is key. Any discussions about the arrangements should not be had in front of the children, and the plans should not be shared with them until they are agreed.
Try to respect the other parent’s Christmas traditions and, if possible, try to co- ordinate (or even combine) gift-giving and festive activities in the run up to
Christmas, to ensure variety and to avoid disappointment or duplication.
3. Be organised and plan ahead.
In so far as possible, try to work together to make plans for the festive period. The sooner you communicate any plans with one another the better, allowing sufficient time to consider the other parent’s proposals and reach a consensus. This is particularly so if you are hoping to take the children abroad over the festive period.
4. Be open minded and ready to compromise
There is no ‘one size fits all’ arrangement, and you should consider what is likely to be best for your family. Some families prefer to alternate Christmas Day each year, while others split the day. There is no right or wrong answer, and logistics will play a part in how the children’s time is divided between their parents. It will be virtually impossible to reach any form of agreement without a degree of compromise on the
part of everyone involved.
5. Keep to the agreement
It is easy to become absorbed in the Christmas celebrations, but do keep to the agreement you have reached. Try to be on time when you hand the children over to the other parent and to remain positive for their benefit.
If parents cannot agree on the arrangements for Christmas, they should consider
discussing the issues with a family practitioner. Any member of the Family Team at
Hedges would be happy to help!
To speak to one of our Family lawyers, contact us today.
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