CSG Law Alert: Tips to Make Your Halloween Parenting Time Frightfully Good
As parents, you know that your children look forward to Halloween with gleeful anticipation. Costumes are selected well in advance. Classroom parades and parties are scheduled (with your children looking forward to your attendance!). Knowing how important this holiday is to your little ghosts and goblins, pre-planning is essential to make the holiday perfect.
Re-Read the Holiday Provisions in Your Divorce Agreement.
Hopefully, the details for that special day are set forth in the Agreement. Both co-parents are either sharing the day, have divided the afternoon and evening between themselves or are alternating the holiday from year to year with their children.
If you have not addressed Halloween details in your Agreement, start planning with your co-parent as early as possible so that both you – and your children – can look forward to the time they will be spending with you and/or your co-parent.
Be Respectful of One Another’s Time and Schedule.
There is nothing more ghoulish than a parent who is late or who keeps the children beyond his or her scheduled time. When the time arrives for the changeover, do it in a civil way so that the children get the full enjoyment of their trick or treating time.
It’s Time to Consider Making New Traditions.
Whether you are sharing time with your co-parent or alternating the holiday, it may be time to make some new holiday traditions. Consider hosting a joint party with your co-parent if appropriate; be mindful and respectful of boundaries. Your presence together will make for joyful fun. Take photographs and share those with your co-parent. Pick out a costume for yourself!
Whatever you choose to do with the children on this holiday, stay child-focused. Make it magical and have spooky fun. The joyful memories you and your co-parent create together will always be cherished by your children.