How Can I Set a Fair Holiday Visitation Schedule for My Children?
Whether you’re going through a divorce or living as a newly single-parent household, the holiday season may offer a new type of anxiety or stress. At the center of this stress — planning who will see the children for the holidays. Fact: judges do not like choosing who gets the kids for the holidays, meaning that it’ll be up to you and your ex to decide when the children will visit. Here’s how you can work with your spouse to set up your schedule.
Consider Your Schedules
It’s never too early to start setting up your holiday visitation schedule, and when you do you should factor in your daily routine. This includes when each parent is working, where family celebrations will occur, and the following details:
- Your child’s school and extracurricular schedule.
- Length of the celebration/visitation.
- Religious practices of each parent.
- Traveling schedules.
Remember Your Holiday Traditions
After a divorce, many parents feel like they have to start from scratch when it comes to creating holiday traditions with their children. However, keep in mind that your children will love the opportunity to continue celebrating these special holidays with you as they would have before you divorced.
Try to prepare for your little one’s arrival ahead of time by planning a festive environment. Whether it’s decorating, watching festive movies, or baking, whatever traditions your little ones enjoy, try to keep them going. If this means creating celebrations in both households — so be it. Your children will think multiple holiday celebrations are fun and will look forward to spending this time with you.
Discuss the Plan With Your Children
No matter the arrangement you and your co-parent have discussed, it’s important to let your children know of the plan ahead of time. This will help them know what to expect and allows them to feel comforted. Keep in mind that the holidays can be celebrated before or after the calendar date, and you can make this time of year just as special no matter the dates of your visitation.
Minnesota Divorce Representation and Child Custody Modifications
At Johnson / Turner Legal, our Minnesota attorneys can help navigate your rights and walk you through the divorce process. We offer mediation services and can also help you file for an order modification if your circumstances change. Should you need assistance with your child custody order or visitation schedule, please reach out.
Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert attorneys: (320) 299-4249
