Life as we know it has drastically changed, and we have all heard that this is the new normal. So while individuals and families are navigating this newness and coming up with new traditions, those divorcing must do the same. While divorcing with children is considered challenging, maintaining normalcy for children during a divorce occurring in today’s climate can feel impossible. Although it is a lot of change at once, divorcing parents can look for ways to the better the situation for their children as they determine a child custody arrangement that works best.
Creating new traditions
Divorce parents are often faced with the decision of whether to keep current traditions or create new ones. This often occurs when the holidays roll around or when there are alternate holiday schedules and parents do not have their children on the actual day of a holiday some years. This is helpful for everyone involved because it creates expectations and a set schedule. Children often do better when there is a routine, and by creating a new routine, co-parenting after divorce can be more successful.
With fall and winter holidays fast approaching, families are faced with big decisions when it comes to how these will be celebrated during the pandemic. Because most families will have to devise alternatives for celebrations this year, this could be used to better the situation for the children already experiencing the many changes divorce brings to the table. Children may have some input in the creation of new celebrations for this year and possibly the years to come.
Negotiating holidays with co-parents
Co-parents often have to negotiate holidays because they will likely not celebrate the holidays as a family unit. This may look like split days or alternating years. These discussions should also consider the traditions each parent considers important to them. However, at the end of the day, celebrating holidays is about the children, so they should always be planned with the best interests of the children in mind.
Different family law matters can occur during and after the divorce process. Child custody issues may present themselves due to holidays and other changes to the parenting schedule. Thus, it is important to understand your rights and options when it comes to resolving these matters.