Handling Child Custody Battles During The Holidays
Published On: December 3, 2013
Let’s face it, no one actually plans to divorce during the holiday season. There are so many things that are going on (especially for potential divorcees with children) that many people simply try to put on a brave face and slog through the season. There’s a reason that many divorces originate in January.
For those who are still in the process of getting divorced, there still is the complicated (and often contentious) exercise of negotiating a holiday parenting time schedule. This process can be troublesome because parents are used to having their children around during the holidays, and can be reluctant to cede power. However, there are several things that parents should consider that could help in avoiding costly power struggles. This post will identify them.
Remember that the holidays are a season – For those parents who feel like they can’t do without their kids, it is important to remember that the holidays are a season; which means that there are a number of days to have fun with kids.
Kids still have two parents – There may be an inclination for a parent to dominate the holidays, especially if a non-custodial parent lives far away and cannot afford to fly the kids in to see them. In these times, it is important to understand that kids have two parents, and should be allowed to share in the holidays. If travelling costs too much, using Skype or FaceTime is a nice alternative.
Put personal strife aside – Personal differences may complicate relationships between parents, but they should not affect a parent’s ability to see their children.
Source: HuffingtonPost.com, “The straight dope about the holidays: What top expect, how to make to the New Year,” Alison Patton, November 19, 2013
