Managing Custody Schedules During The Winter Holidays

Managing Custody Schedules During The Winter Holidays

Meaghan Kleine Blog

The start of the winter holiday season can be incredibly stressful for separated couples co-parenting their children. Each parent wants their child to be present during their holiday celebrations, but that means the coparents need to follow an organized schedule. 

Can you trust your ex partner to pick up and drop off your child in a timely manner, so everyone gets their fair amount of court-ordered custody time? Unfortunately, more often than not, the answer is no. 

So how do you find a balance between spending quality time with your children while also successfully coparenting? Effective communication, timely planning, and focusing on your child’s happiness. But that’s easier said than done, with many exes needing an attorney’s guidance during custody disputes. 

When Seasonal Custody Schedules Go Sideways

Every year, there are a number of variables that can impact the end of the year custody schedule. Here are a few common issues that co-parents run into: 

 

  • Icy weather conditions and excess traffic impacting travel

  • Conflicting family events occurring on the same day or time

  • Family member additions (new spouses, stepchildren, or younger siblings) resulting in a change of holiday traditions

  • Coparent refusing to follow the court ordered custody schedule

 

All of these factors change throughout an individual’s lifetime, which means an upcoming holiday custody schedule could look different from previous years. In order to have the best experience possible, coparents have to be willing to be flexible.

 

 

If you’re concerned about your holiday plans and custody time, start planning ahead. A chaotic schedule can make children feel insecure and uncertain — which can ruin their holiday experience. 

Understanding How Holiday Disagreements Affect Children

The holidays are meant to be a magical season, full of joy and quality family time. When your children reflect back on their experience, what would you like them to remember?

Warm hot cocoa. Sweet homemade treats. Lots of laughter. And endless smiles. 

 

The reality is that some children remember arguments between parents and pressure to appear happy, even though they feel sad. So if you’re struggling to communicate with your ex-partner, it’s highly likely your children can feel the tension.

 

 

These negative events, otherwise known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), follow an individual well-into their adult life. Children of divorce are considered to be impacted by ACEs, and their risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, or other household challenges are increased compared to children in nuclear families. 

 

The statistics for individuals with ACEs are not for the faint of heart — childhood trauma impacts an individual’s quality of life and puts them at greater risk for participating in criminal activity. 

Facing A Custody Dispute? Hire A Family Law Attorney Today

If you’re anticipating a heated disagreement about custody time with your ex partner, contact the law offices of Hickey & Hull at (479) 434-2414. We want to help you celebrate age-old holiday traditions and create happy memories with your children, even when things didn’t work out with your ex spouse. 

 

Contact the lawyers who believe in making things better for you and find out how our law partners can help craft the ideal holiday custody schedule!