December 17, 2021
Holiday Parenting Plans
What is a Holiday Parenting Plan?
A holiday parenting plan is a carefully crafted blueprint for how the holidays should be spent between children and their separated or divorced parents. The most important aspect of a holiday parenting plan is that it should always be in the children’s best interest.
How Holiday Parenting Plans Work
When a cordially and fairly structured plan is made and carried out, it is optimal for a divided family to share time during the holidays. A transparent plan shared with everyone is the best way to calm uncertain nerves and alleviate stress, anxiety, and expectations. It is beneficial to assure the children, so they know what is happening.
Types of Holiday Parenting Plans
One-Day Holidays
Holidays that fall on one day may be divided in various ways. These are some ideas:
- It may be alternated each year between parents.
- It may be divided in half.
- It may be shared with parents who agree to share a kind, civil moment with their children.
- Creative parents may want to extend the one-day holiday to two days, dividing time that way.
Multiple-Day Holidays
Multiple-day holidays include weekend holidays. Most often, it is easier to divide the time between parents if the extended family is not allowed to interrupt and make demands that cause problems in the planning. A solid agreement between parents who stick to the plan can have a successful holiday while reducing the stress on the children and keeping them happy.
Federal Holidays
Since federal holidays often fall on a Monday, parents often agree to extend the weekend by one day. Then, they either split the holiday or alternate years.
Children’s Birthdays
A child is usually torn if told to choose between parents on their birthday. This should never be something a child should face. There are many options for handling a child’s birthday.
- Parents may divide the day so both parents can share in the child’s special day.
- Parents may alternate years but allow the child to have contact with the other parent on that day.
- Some parents even invite the other parent to the birthday party. It can work.
Parents’ Birthdays
Parents’ birthdays are often handled by allowing the birthday parent to choose how they wish to spend the day with their children. Parents who work together well have no problem working out a comfortable plan.
Parenting Plan with Alternating Holidays
Alternating holidays each year works well if one parent does not attempt to upend the plan when the following year comes along. Extenuating circumstances arise sometimes, but if the parents can work together to come to an agreement, it does not have to be a problem.
The one thing parents do forget is to be clear and transparent about plans with their children, so they are not confused or anxious. Children must always be considered first.
Creative Ideas for Holiday Parenting
A great holiday parenting plan includes creative ideas on great things to do with your children and things to do when you are without them. Holidays do not have to be emotionally brutal. The best strategy is all in the planning.
Plan Activities for Time with Your Children
Get creative with planning safe, exciting, fun, memory-making activities with your children. It will warm your heart, bond you with your children, and promote emotional stability, security, and healthy growth for your kids.
Here are a few ideas:
- Play sports.
- Go hiking.
- Go horseback riding.
- Visit a beach, lake, or resort.
- Have a picnic.
- Build an outdoor fort with blankets.
- Visit an animal sanctuary.
Plan Activities for Time without Your Children
Don’t let the blues get you down when you are not with your children. Think of some great self-care ideas and fun things to do for yourself too.
These are some ideas to get you started:
- Get a massage or visit a day spa.
- Spend time with family or friends.
- Start a new hobby.
- Test drive your dream car.
- Learn about a hobby or passion your child wants to share.
Roseville CA Family Law Attorneys at Manzoor Law Firm Can Help with Your Holiday Parenting Plan
At Manzoor Law Firm, we can help you with your holiday parenting plan. Our expert Roseville family lawyers can save your family time, frustration, and planning quirks. You and your children don’t have to suffer through the stress and anxiety of any holiday season. Our Roseville child custody attorneys specialize in all the dynamics of family law, and we can help with your holiday parenting plan.
Let us help. Call our office today to schedule your consultation.