CO-PARENTING DURING THE HOLIDAYS - COVID-19 EDITION

The holiday season can be one of the most stressful times of year for families in any given year. Adding a global pandemic to the already nerve-racking elements of divorce or a separation, emotions can run at all time high. Washington State is currently in another lockdown due to Covid-19 cases being on the rise as the holiday season approaches this year. Creating a workable plan with your co-parent early on has never been more important. Here are some helpful tips on how to relieve some of these stresses this holiday season:

Think Way Ahead

• No one wants to add “go to court” to the holiday to-do list. If you are deeply concerned about an issue regarding your children’s holiday plans, the time to get it addressed is now. Remember that courts may be slow-moving, particularly during the holiday season. This is especially important if you or your co-parent’s holiday season celebrations include travel and pre-planned vacations.

Communicate

• For many families, the new normal of social distancing and limitations on gatherings, has had a huge impact on how they will approach the holiday season. With this, it is important to come to an agreement with your co-parent of what you both are comfortable with moving forward and having your children understand the new changes. For example, what size gathering you are comfortable with, groups of 4, 6, or more? Next, what about masks during the gathering? What are the expectations of your child wearing a mask, not just when going outside of the home, but during family gatherings? Finally, what about physical contact, including hugs or kisses? This is one holiday season out of the rest of their lives, parents should try to come to an agreement when it comes to gatherings and what they are both most comfortable with for the safety of their child. There is always the option of staying home and celebrating with your immediate family. More than ever, communication is key to making this holiday season the most memorable for your kids in a positive light.

Be Flexible

• Keep in mind who you are trying the hardest to make this holiday season special for: YOUR CHILDREN. While it may seem frustrating to trade or give up a parenting day to accommodate your former partner’s plans, take a deep breath, and think about your children’s best interests. In addition to making sure your children are happy, being flexible and open to compromise, may result in your co-parent being willing to compromise with you down the line.

Holiday Traditions

• Hold onto any traditions that have benefited your children in the past, as long as they are safe to do so now. It also can be beneficial to start new traditions such as, watching holiday movies, building gingerbread houses, baking Christmas cookies or even going out and hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. Another safe activity to do that will get you out of the house is either take a walk or taking a drive to look at Christmas light displays throughout your neighborhood or city. Below are links to events in or around King and Pierce Counties.

  • https://www.traveltacoma.com/things-to-do/events/holiday-events/

  • https://www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-culture/2020/11/the-seattle-holiday-events-to-see-in-2020-festive-christmas-activities

  • https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/best-christmas-lights-seattle/

On behalf of everyone at Bains Law Firm, we hope you and your families have a very happy and safe holiday season.

Family law litigation can be emotionally difficult and complex. Decisions made about each step of the litigation can affect you for many years. At Bains Law Firm, we have decades of experience helping our clients through the difficulty of family law matters of all types and can help you through the process. Contact us today at (253) 838 – 3377 or email at office@bainslawfirm.com, to talk about your case.

Disclaimer: All materials provided on this website have been prepared by Bains Law Firm for general information purposes only and no representation is made as to their completeness or accuracy. Information on this website is not intended as legal advice, and may not be relied upon as such. Only an attorney who can review the unique facts of each case and apply them to the statutes, case law and court rules can provide legal advice. Nothing in this website shall be construed to create an attorney-client relationship.