Child Custody And Visitation Can Be Toughest During The Holidays

Finding a parenting plan and child visitation schedule that works for both you and your ex-spouse can be extremely difficult – and deciding how to coordinate visitation around the holidays can seem impossible. Many parents cannot stand to think that their children will be away from them on family holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

While there are a number of ways to divide the holidays fairly, many families decide to alternate holidays and alternate years. For example, one year you may have your child for Thanksgiving and not Christmas, while you may have your child for spring break and not summer vacation the following year.

Whatever child visitation solution you and your ex decide upon, it is important that you focus on your child or children and their holiday experience instead of feelings of guilt, loneliness, or anger. Remember that this arrangement is new for your child as well, and try to make sure that your children do not feel overwhelmed, guilty, or scattered. When you are spending a holiday with your child, focus on having a relaxing, meaningful, and fun time. When you are without your child, try to spend time with friends and family and focus on the other relationships, values, and traditions that are important to your life during this time of year.