Custody arrangements require a clear breakdown of parenting time. In addition to addressing the overall breakdown of parenting time, it is also typically necessary to have a schedule for holidays and other special days with the children, such as their birthdays.
Instead of addressing each special event as it arises, it is often a much more effective solution to have a clear schedule for special events. What arrangements may work for parents who share custody?
There are numerous solutions for special days
Sometimes, parents come from different religions or cultures. They may have unique holidays they want to spend with the children, allowing for the family to have the same schedule each year.
In cases where parents want to share the same holidays with the children, there are a few different approaches available. A split schedule can be effective. Children spend part of each holiday and birthday with each of their parents.
Other times, parents adopt an alternating schedule. The children spend every other holiday with each parent. This allows both parents to see the children for holidays throughout the year. After spending Thanksgiving with the children one year, they may spend Christmas with the children the next year.
Parents can also sometimes agree to share holiday and birthday celebrations. Getting the entire family together for holidays and birthdays can be a workable solution for some co-parents.
Taking the time to create a reasonable holiday schedule can help keep the focus on the children during special events. Parents may need assistance identifying possible sources of conflict and planning to keep shared custody as amicable as possible.