Making the Most of Christmas for Separated Families

Making the Most of Christmas for Separated Families

At the time of writing this blog post, it is hard to believe that Christmas and the festive period is only slightly over a month away.

While most of the country gears up for a relaxing and joyous festive season, this holiday period can represent a time of challenge for separated families.

Separated parents may have to balance spend time arrangements, monitoring their children’s expectations and emotions and planning with the other parent to make the holiday period as positive as possible.

During Christmas, children in separated families can feel a range of mixed emotions about the upcoming period, which can include feelings of sadness and loss about their parents’ separation and confusion and uncertainty around how the special occasions will be celebrated.

To make the most of the festive period, there are a number of strategies that separated parents can adopt. These can include:

1. Planning well in advance of who will spend time with the children and when;

2. Confirming when and where changeover will take place;

3. Discussing and confirming any prospective travel arrangements during the holiday period; and

4. Organising and planning gifts ahead of time to avoid duplicates or conflicts. It is best where possible to avoid each parent giving the same gift to a child so early communication around gift choices can avoid this occurrence.

Ultimately, while separated families certainly face more challenges during this upcoming holiday period, it can also provide a great opportunity for separated parents to develop their co-parenting relationship and give love and support to their children.

If you and your separated partner have not yet reached agreement regarding the above matters, it may be appropriate to broach the subject as soon as possible. For many separated families, the assistance of a mediator or family dispute resolution practitioner can assist them with these discussions.

If you would like some advice or assistance negotiating parenting arrangements for the upcoming holiday period, please call our office on 03 9620 0088 and speak with one of our highly qualified and experienced family lawyers or mediators here at Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers.

Note: This is general information advice only and does not constitute specific legal advice. If you would like further information in relation to this matter or other legal matters, please contact us on 03 9620 0088 or email info@resolveconflict.com.au