In a few days, families all over the state of Texas will come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, marking the official start of the holiday season. While this is certainly an exciting and enjoyable time of the year, it can quickly become difficult if former spouses are unable to agree on basic child custody/visitation matters.
For example, disagreements over travel arrangements or dinner plans can create further bitterness and unnecessary stress for the former couple. This in turn can have a negative impact on the children’s enjoyment of the holidays and also cause them to experience unnecessary stress.
Fortunately, there are a few ways in which former spouses can limit these disagreements and help ensure that their children enjoy a truly unforgettable holiday season.
Choose Tolerance
While you may be tempted to engage in arguments with your former spouse when you become frustrated or angry, try to resist this temptation. Instead, try to listen to what your former spouse has to say and adopt an altogether more tolerant approach
Remember, the holiday season can be stressful enough without having to deal with the added aggravation of prolonged and tedious arguments with your former spouse.
By choosing this approach, you and your children will likely get more enjoyment out of the holiday season. Furthermore, you may even develop a better system of communication with your former spouse.
Engage in Early Conversations Regarding Holiday Arrangements
Even if your child custody/visitation plan already grants you or your former spouse the holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.), be certain to touch base with one another as soon as possible to communicate dates, times, locations, contact information and other vital information. This can help avoid confusion and facilitate a smoother transition for your children.
Another advantage of these early conversations is that it allows you and your former spouse to discuss scenarios in the event no solid holiday plans are in place.
Be Amenable to Alternate Holiday Arrangements
Whether you are approached by a former spouse to discuss their inability to take the children for a particular holiday or are approaching your former spouse to communicate a desire to have the children spend a particular holiday with you, be open to alternate holiday arrangements.
If the circumstances of your relationship enable you to engage in productive conversation, you may be able to reach an agreement that suits both parties (i.e., giving first pick of holidays next year in exchange for a particular holiday this year). As stated before, you and your children will likely get more enjoyment out of the holiday season through this approach.
To learn more about child custody matters or parental rights, contact an experienced and skilled legal professional.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.
Stay tuned for more from our Ft. Worth family law blog …
Related Resources:
Avoiding Holiday Custody Tug of Wars (The Huffington Post)
