The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and making lasting memories with your loved ones. However, for divorced parents, holiday travel with children can be a bit more challenging. Coordinating schedules, maintaining a sense of stability for your children, and ensuring they have a memorable and stress-free holiday can be a delicate balance. In this blog, Gross & Miller, Family Law Attorneys, we’ll explore with you the dos and don’ts of traveling with children over the holidays when parents are divorced.
Dos
Plan Ahead: Start planning your holiday travel well in advance. Discuss your plans with your ex-spouse, and try to reach an agreement on dates, destinations, and the allocation of expenses. The earlier you plan, the smoother the process is likely to be.
Communicate Openly: Effective communication with your ex-spouse is key. Share your travel plans, itineraries, and contact details. Keep each other informed about any changes to the schedule. Coordinating your efforts can prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress for the children.
Consider the Children’s Wishes: Ask your children about their holiday preferences and desires. Where would they like to spend the holidays? While their wishes may not always be the final decision, incorporating their input shows that you value their feelings.
Create Consistency: Try to maintain some consistency in holiday traditions and routines. If certain customs or activities are important to your children, aim to include them in both households. Consistency can provide a sense of security for the kids during a potentially confusing time.
Prepare Together: If you’re traveling with your ex-spouse, make a list of essential items your children will need during the trip. Packing together can be a way to demonstrate unity and collaboration in co-parenting.
Don’ts
Engage in Conflict: Holiday travel is not the time to revisit past arguments or engage in new conflicts. Keep your discussions focused on your children and the logistics of the trip. If disagreements arise, address them calmly and constructively.
Last-Minute Changes: Avoid making last-minute changes to your travel plans without consulting your ex-spouse. This can disrupt schedules and create tension. If changes are necessary, communicate them as early as possible and be prepared to compromise.
Put Children in the Middle: Never involve your children in disputes or use them as messengers between households. Shield them from any negativity or resentment between you and your ex-spouse.
Overindulge: While it’s natural to want to spoil your children during the holidays, avoid competing with your ex-spouse to see who can provide the most extravagant gifts or experiences. Instead, focus on the quality of your time together.
Neglect Self-Care: Remember that you also need time to recharge and enjoy the holiday season. Don’t neglect self-care in the midst of planning and accommodating your children’s needs. A rested and happy parent is better equipped to create a joyful holiday atmosphere.
Traveling with children over the holidays when parents are divorced can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it can also be a time for your family to create new and cherished memories. By following these do sand don’ts, you can navigate the holiday season with grace, ensuring your children have a wonderful, stress-free experience and see that even after divorce, love and cooperation can prevail during this special time of the year.
Happy Holidays from Gross & Miller Attorneys at Law!
